Size measurements and morphology of the Betula pollen suggest that it probably represents the arctic shrub birch type. Pollen and macrofossil studies indicate that shrub birch and a variety of other shrubs, herbs and ferns bordered wet areas where sedges were abundant. Spruce trees invaded the surrounding area early to form open woodlands with interspersed low shrubs and herbs. The sediments and pollen content of Unit IV imply that it formed in a lake environment. Since sea-level was up to 30 m below present at this time these clay deposits are unlikely to be marine, and no marine fossils have been found.
Some disturbance features imply periglacial activity.
A second glacial lake formed in the Shubenacadie valley between 10.7 and 9.4 ka. These units probably represent a Holocene flood deposit of the Shubenacadie River. All rights reserved. Last Updated January 17, 2001. Send your comments to Minerals and Energy Branch Web Master.