Dynamics of paleoenvironments in the Cis-Ural steppes during the mid- to late Holocene. Issue 1 (11th June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khokhlova, Olga; Morgunova, Nina; Khokhlov, Alexander; Golyeva, Alexandra
• Is Part Of: Quaternary research. Volume 91:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 96
• Page End: 110
• Publication Date: 2018-06-11
• Subjects: Multi-layered settlement, -- Cultural layers, -- Paleopedological method, -- Microbiomorphical method, -- Phytoliths, -- Paleoenvironmental reconstructions, -- Eneolithic, -- Early Bronze Age; Geology, Stratigraphic -- Quaternary -- Periodicals; Glacial epoch -- Periodicals; Stratigraphie -- Quaternaire -- Périodiques; Époque glaciaire -- Périodiques; Geology, Stratigraphic; Glacial epoch; Quaternary Geologic Period; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 551.79
• DOI: 10.1017/qua.2018.23
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-5894

Abstract

Abstract: The multi-layered settlement of Turganik in the Tok River valley (steppe region west of the Urals) has been studied using paleopedological and microbiomorphical methods. Early humans lived in the settlement during the Eneolithic epoch (the fifth millennium BC) and in the Early Bronze Age (the fourth millennium BC). The cultural layers attributable to the Atlantic period of the Holocene developed under conditions of a rather dry climate, with the landscapes being dominated by the grass and herb steppe. The settlement area was above the flood water level and was suitable for habitation. The soils in its vicinity were Kastanozems (Endosalic Protosodic). The final stages of the cultural layer formation bear traces of strong (though short-term) floods, with the deposits of the latter partly concealed traces of the preceding long-term arid phase. Maximum aridity was during the final interval of the Atlantic period. The Subboreal and Subatlantic periods were noted for meadow-chernozem soil formation (Luvic Chernozems [Stagnic]) and an increasing proportion of arboreal species in the pollen assemblages. Some phytoliths of aquatic plants were found in the assemblages dominated by those of meadow grasses. The climate was more humid and cool, although short episodes of aridity were possible.