This is a microscopic view of fragments of charcoal (black) and pollen grains (pink) from an ancient swamp deposit. Microscopic studies from a number of sites showed that charcoal appeared suddenly about 1280–1350 CE, at the same time as tree pollen decreased. This is believed to be caused by deliberate burning soon after the first humans settled in New Zealand.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Landcare Research – Manaaki Whenua
Photograph by Janet Wilmshurst
© Copyright image. All rights reserved. Permission from Manaaki Whenua: Landcare Research New Zealand Limited must be obtained before the re-use of this image.
Tāpiritia te tākupu hou