Actualistic Taphonomy of Plant Remains in Tropical Forests of Southeastern Brazil

Studies in the accumulation of plants developed in tropical forests promote understanding the origin of elements that integrate the accumulation time of layers, and the physical and chemical processes that interfere in their formation. Thus, studies were conducted in meandering rivers located in the state of Sao Paulo. Accumulations of leaves found in point bars were collected in the Mogi-Guacu, Capivari and Itanhaem (Branco, and Preto rivers) hydrographic basins and 14C dated. The leaves were classified in morphotypes and taxonomically organized. In all assemblages, the leaves belong to arboreal vegetation near the deposit with well-preserved leaves, being in decimetric thickness layers deposited along the 1950s, and possibly trend associated with years of high precipitation. The preservation of the assemblages is related to changes in the level of the water table and the chemical composition of water.