Șchiopu ( căs. Sandu) Florentina Șchiopu

Prof. Șchiopu ( căs. Sandu) Florentina Șchiopu


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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2 April 2026 in Quaternary
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MDMihaela Danu
Mihaela Danu
DIDiana Istrate
Diana Istrate
Marcel MîndrescuMarcel Mîndrescu
Marcel Mîndrescu
ȘȘȘchiopu ( căs. Sandu) Florentina Șchiopu
Șchiopu ( căs. Sandu) Florentina Șchiopu
ACAlina Georgiana Cîșlariu
Alina Georgiana Cîșlariu
Ciprian Claudiu ManzuCiprian Claudiu Manzu
Ciprian Claudiu Manzu
Modern pollen rain studies provide essential calibration for interpreting fossil pollen records, particularly in montane environments. This study explores pollen–vegetation relationships along an altitudinal transect in the Rarău Massif (Eastern Carpathians, Romania). Eight moss cushion samples collected between 1215 and 1619 m a.s.l. were analysed palynologically and compared with eight paired vegetation surveys. Multivariate analyses, including hierarchical clustering, Mantel tests, NMDS, and Procrustes analysis, were applied to evaluate floristic and palynological similarity in relation to altitude. Pollen spectra are dominated by Picea, reflecting the prevalence of spruce forests characteristic of the montane belt, while Abies and Pinus occur in lower proportions, indicating a secondary role. Broad-leaved taxa such as Fagus, Betula, and Alnus complement the arboreal pollen signal, whereas thermophilous taxa Quercus and Tilia represent extra-local pollen input from lower altitudes. Herbaceous and shrub taxa are generally underrepresented in the pollen record relative to field observations. Pollen taxa associated with anthropogenic disturbance (Plantago, Rumex, Artemisia and Urtica) show a constant presence, which may suggest localized human influence likely linked to grazing and tourism. Statistical results show weak and non-significant correlations between pollen composition, vegetation structure, and altitude. Overall, modern pollen rain reflects the dominant vegetation structure of the studied montane belt but shows limited fidelity at the local floristic scale.