Search

The highest Shahdag-Qusar segment of the South-Eastern Caucasus, located on the border of Azerbaijan and Russia, is considered. Ridges of Greater Caucasus axial zone are the closest to the Caspian Sea coast here, and the latest marine deposits cover the high-mountainous watershed surfaces. Research results of the Plio-Quaternary tectonic movements and stratigraphy are presented. Morphostructural and facies analysis of the northern macro-slope of the mountain system was performed to reconstruct the history of Plio-Quaternary orogenesis of this territory. Findings of shells of molluscs, an indicator of the Akchagylian basin, in the sediments of the homoclinal Qusar plateau at altitudes up to 2020 m asl made it possible to estimate the rate of the Quaternary uplift in the South-Eastern Caucasus and compare these data with the results of previous studies in Transcaucasia. The reconstruction of the mountain system development in the Pliocene with acceleration of the average Pliocene uplift is presented, and the probable reasons for this acceleration are discussed.

The paper presents new data on brackish-water Upper Pliocene and Lower Pleistocene deposits that were studied in the Demirkent (Kars) and Pekecik (Erzurum) sections, NE Turkey. The Demirkent section is situated in the southwestern slope of the Shirak Late Cenozoic intermontane basin near the Turkish-Armenian border. The Pekecik section is situated to the SW of the Demirkent in the southwestern slope of the Horasan intermontane basin. Both sections are composed of clays, silts, and poorly cemented fine-grained sandstones and contain the brackish-water dinocysts of the Akchagylian type. The age of the deposits is determined by combined analysis of associations of molluscs and small mammals, palynological spectra, including dinocysts and algae, and magnetostratigraphic data. The Demirkent and Pekecik sections are dated to the Late Pliocene (Piacenzian). The maximum spread of the Akchagylian transgression influenced the inland areas of NE Turkey prior to the early Gelasian. The pollen spectra demonstrate progressive aridisation during sedimentation of the lower part of the Demirkent section and the wetter and cooler climate during sedimentation of the lower part of the Pekecik section. The analysis of brackish-water dinocysts and fresh-water algae in different beds of the Demirkent section indicates gradual freshening of the basin probably due to the sea level fall. In the Pekecik section, the brackish-water dinocysts are found in the lower part that is covered by the lignite-bearing layers without signs of marine influence. Recent altitudes of the Akchagylian brackish-water deposits give a possibility to estimate magnitudes and average rates of the Quaternary uplift of the western Lesser Caucasus. The elevation of the Upper Pliocene deposits of Demirkent and Pekecik sections shows the uplift rate of ca. 0.6–0.7 mm per year during 2.6 Ma.

Multidisciplinary research was carried out at the new Late Pleistocene Bokhan site in the Baikal region (Fore-Baikal) including geochemical and petrochemical X-ray fractions, palynological and palaeozoological studies, and AMS-dating. Four palynological complexes show a development of vegetation from open meadow-steppe landscapes that are replaced by meadow steppe with small areas of tundra vegetation to pine and pine-birch boreal forests. The fauna included molluscs, reptile and mammals of tundra, steppe and taiga inhabitants. It is a so-called no-analogue fauna extant analogy of species composition which reflects tundra-steppe landscapes in conditions of cold and dry climate during Sartanian time (MIS 2) (layers 1–2) and tundra-forest-steppe landscapes with more comfortable climatic conditions, during the end of The Pleistocene (layer 3).

Majority of researchers consider the Arabian-Caucasus region as a corridor for migration of earliest hominins from their African motherland to Eurasia. The paper is devoted to geological position of main stratified localities of the earliest Paleolithic industries in the Arabian-Caucasus region and estimation of environment of creators of these industries. The following early Paleolithic localities are analyzed: ‘Ubeidiya in Israel, middle Orontes River, Halabiyeh-Zalabiyeh area in the Euphrates River valley, and Ain al Fil in Syria, Dursunlu in Central Turkey, Sambayat, Bostancik, Eskimalatya, and Kovancilar in Eastern Turkey, Karakhach, Muradovo, Agvoric, and Jradzor in NW Armenia, Dmanisi in Southern Georgia, the Azykh cave in Nagornyi Karabakh, Muhkai II in Dagestan, and Kermek in the Taman Peninsula. The evolution of large and small mammals and palynological data on changes of vegetation from the Late Pliocene to the early Middle Pleistocene are studied to determine the age of the earliest Paleolithic industries and climatic conditions of that epoch. Combined analysis of paleontological, paleomagnetic and radio-isotopic data and geological correlation of the sections available for the Halabiyeh-Zalabiyeh, Sambayat, Kovancilar, Karakhach, Dmanisi, Muhkai II, and Kermek localities shows that their age is ranged in time interval ca. 2.0–1.7 Ma. The 1.7–1.6 Ma age of the lowest layers of ‘Ubeidiya with Oldowan-type artefacts probably marks the end of this epoch. Removal of topographic effects of the late Calabrian and younger tectonic uplifts and offsets on major strike-slip faults shows that the topography of the late Gelasian – early Calabrian was much lower and less differentiated and main river systems were more passable than in the present time. The climate of the end of Gelasian was wet and relatively warm, with meadow-steppe and forest-steppe savanna-type vegetation in basins and valleys and coniferous and coniferous–broad-leaved forests in the mountains. Abundance of vegetation was supported by water resources of numerous rivers, lakes, and springs in the intermountain basins and valleys that were controlled partly by fault activity. This stimulated abundance of herbivorous mammals. In spite of relative aridisation at the beginning of Calabrian, vegetation continued to be freely available for herbivores. Hominin dispersal into the region was supported by rich resources of herbivores during the late Gelasian – early Calabrian time.

Studies in paleomagnetism, structural geology, and paleontology (mammals, molluscs, palynology) in the coastal sections of the Taman Peninsula north-eastern part (2017–18) resulted in definition of three sedimentary members. The sandy and clayey lower member (I) formed at 2.1–1.7 Ma. It contains a normally magnetised zone within deposits of reversed polarity correlated to the Olduvai Subchron and the Matuyama Chron. The middle member (II) is composed of the basal pebbles overlain by sands. The reversely magnetised deposits hosting the Sinyaya Balka site, the type locality of the Tamanian faunal complex, is correlated to the basal bed of the middle member II. The overlying sands are normally magnetised (Jaramillo Subchron) in the lower part and show reverse polarity (late Matuyama Chron) in the upper part. The member II is dated in the range of 1.3–0.78 Ma. The silty upper member (III) represents Middle-Late Pleistocene. The dissimilar displacement degree of the members reflect developmental stages of the Quaternary deformation. The member I is characterised by dip angles up to 70° is fragmented by faults into blocks. The member II filled the relief of the eroded surface of the Member I and also displaced by faults. The faulting separated the bone-bearing body of the Taman faunal complex as a rock land-slide. The attitude of the member III outline an anticline with a gentle south-western and a steeper north-eastern limbs eroded by land-slides and marine abrasion. During its entire life the anticline was affected by mud volcanism. The anticline continues its development at the present stage.

Studies in paleomagnetism, structural geology, and paleontology (mammals, mollusks, palynology) in the coastal sections of the Taman Peninsula north-western part (2017–18) resulted in definition of three sedimentary sequences. The sandy and clayey lower sequence (I) formed at 2.1–1.7 Ma. It contains a normally magnetised zone within deposits of reversed polarity correlated to the Olduvai Subchron and the Matuyama Chron. The middle sequence (II) is composed of the basal pebbles overlain by sands. The reversely magnetised deposits hosting the Sinyaya Balka site, the type locality of the Tamanian faunal complex, is correlated to the basal bed of the middle sequence II. The overlying sands are normally magnetised (Jaramillo Subchron) in the lower part and show reverse polarity (late Matuyama Chron) in the upper part. The sequence II is dated in the range of 1.3–0.78 Ma. The silty upper sequence (III) represents Middle-Late Pleistocene. The dissimilar displacement degree of the sequences reflect developmental stages of the Quaternary deformation. The sequence I is characterised by dip angles up to 70° is fragmented by faults into blocks. The sequence II filled the relief of the eroded surface of the sequence Member I and also displaced by faults. The faulting separated the bone-bearing body of the Taman faunal complex as a rock land-slide. The attitude of the member III outline an anticline with a gentle south-western and a steeper north-eastern limbs eroded by land-slides and marine abrasion. During its entire life the anticline was affected by mud volcanism. The anticline continues its development at the present stage.

Early Palaeolithic finds older than Acheulean were unknown in Eastern Anatolia until recently. During exploratory works carried out by a joint Russian-Turkish expedition in the Euphrates River basin (2014–2016), several stratified Early Palaeolithic localities were found. Lithic finds are represented by choppers, picks, retouched tools, and flakes. A similar stone tool industry has been found in the Caucasus (Armenia, Dagestan). In addition to the archaeological typological dating of lithic tools in eastern Turkey, geomorphological, stratigraphic, paleontological, and paleomagnetic records also confirm the Early Pleistocene age of the localities. Some of these sites are dated to before the Olduvai subchron, i.e., ∼2 Ma. New Early Palaeolithic discoveries in Eastern Turkey are important for the study of the oldest human cultures of the Middle East and the Caucasus. Acheulean and Middle Palaeolithic stone tools were also found in the lower river terraces of tributaries of the Euphrates, south of the Taurus Mountains. These finds were used to date the terraces.

The Kosika locality is situated on the lowest terrace of the Enotayevka River (right channel of the Volga River) near Kosika village, in the Astrakhan region of the Russian Federation. This locality includes several sections, named Kosika 1–4 and Borehole 2 Kosika that are described in detail for the first time. Drilling, sediment descriptions, and sampling were performed during the 2008–2015 field seasons. Application of complex biostratigraphical methods and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dates were used to reconstruct the Neopleistocene (Middle-Late Pleistocene) palaeoenvironment in the Lower Volga area. During the Tyurkyan Period (at the early beginning of the Neopleistocene), regression of the Apsheronian Sea began. Lithological features and the presence of freshwater molluscs demonstrate that deposits accumulated in rivers and lakes under humid climatic conditions. Molluscs, ostracods, and dinoflagellates inhabited the Baku Sea. Climate was arid at the beginning of this period and humid during a later phase. Several changes affecting the marine and fluvial environments characterise the Early Khazar period. In particular, the climate oscillated from humid conditions at the beginning to an arid state, then returned to a more humid setting at the end of this period. These changes are indicated by palynological and malacological data. Regression of the Early Khazar Sea occurred during Singil time, when rivers, lakes, and limans (lagoons) existed. Large mammals inhabited plains that were covered by extensive vegetation. The climate during this period was humid and slightly cooler than the present day climate. Late Khazar and Khvalyn transgressions occurred during the Late Neopleistocene. When the Late Khazar Sea retreated from the territory, river valleys became the dominant landscape feature. Floodplains of Late Khazar rivers became sites of deposition of loamy and sandy material emplaced during flood events. At the end of this regressive period, the climate was arid and dry enough to allow for accumulation of anhydrite sediment in shallow lagoons and lakes. Afterwards, the Khvalyn transgression began, as indicated by the occurrence of specific key mollusc species. Fluvial-marine deposits formed geological bodies representative of an undersea delta, which in relief form the Baer Knolls. The modern Volga valley was formed during the Holocene.

This work presents the history of study of the Neopleistocene Singil deposits, results of analysis the drilling data, and different points of view on the stratigraphy of reference sections of the Lower Volga Region. A large volume of drilling core data indicate that the Singil deposits lie between the Lower Khazar and Upper Khazar deposits, which contradicts a traditional point of view that they lie under the Khazar deposits. As an analysis of faunistical data shows a high level of similarity between the Singil and Khazar assemblages of mammals, it is proposed to consider the Singil mammal assemblage as an analog of the Khazar faunistical assemblage, probably its early phase. The main conclusion of our research is that the accumulation of the Singil deposits occurred at the terminal regressive stage of the Early Khazar basin.

The Pliocene–Quaternary paleogeography of the Euphrates River valley changed due to sinistral movements on the East-Anatolian Fault Zone (EAFZ) and the Taurus Ridge rise by movements on the South-Taurus Thrust. Evidence of these changes is based on studies of the Pliocene–Quaternary deposits of the Euphrates River basin to the north and to the south of the Taurus Ridge and the Late Cenozoic deformation including offsets on the EAFZ. Combination of methods was used to date the Pliocene–Quaternary deposits. It includes geological and geomorphic analysis and correlation of sections, determination of remanent magnetization, paleontological and archaeological finds, pollen analysis, and K-Ar dating of volcanic rocks. To the north of the Taurus Ridge, the Late Miocene tectonic depressions were filled by lakes connected by braided streams. In the Early Pliocene, the Euphrates and Murat river valleys formed and the Euphrates flew to the south westwards of its recent position, via the graben-like trough of the Sultan-Suyu River valley and farther to the Erikdere that are recent Euphrates tributaries. The flow was interrupted later because of some desiccation and rise of the Taurus Ridge. The flow recommenced in the end Gelasian – early Calabrian via the Goksu-Cayi and Erikdere valleys consecutively and was interrupted again. At the end of Calabrian (∼0.8–0.9 Ma), the Euphrates waters found the recent way via the Taurus Ridge and the former upstream bottoms of the Euphrates and its tributaries valleys became a vast upper terrace. After this, the Taurus Ridge rose by more than 330 m. Lower terraces were formed because of the tectonic uplift that was more intense to the north of the Taurus Ridge (0.13–0.16 mm/year), than to the south of it (0.1 mm/year). The new-formed segment of the Euphrates valley was offset on the EAFZ at 12 km that gives the slip rate of 13–15 mm/year.

Late Miocene continental deposits overlying the Khersonian marine sediments near the city of Maikop bordering the Belaya River (North Caucasus) yielded a diverse biotic record including palynology, ostracods, fresh-water and terrestrial molluscs, fishes, amphibians and reptiles, birds, and mammals. The obtained data indicate predominantly wooded landscapes along the banks of a large fresh-water estuarine or lagoonal basin with occasional connection with the sea. The basin existed in a warm temperate to subtropical climate with a high humidity and an estimated mean annual precipitation above 800 mm. The mammalian assemblage with Hipparion spp., Alilepus sp., Paraglirulus schultzi, Eozapus intermedius, Parapodemus lugdunensis, Collimys caucasicus sp. nov., Neocricetodon cf. progressus, etc. is referable to the early Turolian, MN 11. The data regarding composition and stage of evolution of the small mammal content combined with mostly normal polarity of the fossiliferous deposits, and the age estimates of the upper Khersonian boundary as between 8.6 and 7.9 Ma indicate a plausible correlation with Chron C4n and an age range between 8.1–7.6 Ma.

New data on the stratigraphy, faults, and formation history of lower to middle Pleistocene rocks in Late Cenozoic basins of northwestern Armenia are presented. It has been established that the low-mountain topography created by tectonic movements and volcanic activity existed in the region by the onset of the Pleistocene. The manifestations of two geodynamic structure-forming factors became clear in Pleistocene: (i) collisional interaction of plates due to near-meridional compression and (ii) deep tectogenesis and magma formation expressed in the distribution of vertical movements and volcanism. The general uplift of the territory, which was also related to deep processes, reached 350–500 m in basins and 600–800 m in mountain ranges over the last 0.5 Ma. The early Pleistocene (~1.8 Ma) low- and medium-mountain topography has been reconstructed by subtraction of the latest deformations and uplift of the territory. Ancient human ancestry appeared at that time.

According to radiochemical and biostratigraphic studies of the buried peat layer in the Cheremoshnik key section on the East European plain, the first age dating of this peat was obtained and its assignment to the Mikulino interglacial was confirmed. The Th/U isotope age data obtained for the peat horizon allow us to state with confidence that it was formed during the MIS5e. It was found that a variety of signs, including the lithological characteristics of dated layers and climatic indexes, is evidence that the Cheremoshnik site and Borisoglebsk upland occurred in the periglacial zone during MIS3–MIS2.

The Quaternary stratigraphy and tectonic development of the southern Javakheti Upland and the adjacent Upper Akhurian and Lori uplifted basins in NW Armenia (Lesser Caucasus) and geological position of the early and middle Acheulian lithic industries were studied using a multi-method approach. Studies of sedimentary sections, petrological and geochemical correlation of lavas and tuffs, K–Ar dating of volcanic rocks and SIMS 238U–206Pb dating of tuffs, examination of obtained fossils and pollen analysis, and determination of remanent magnetic polarity of volcanic rocks and clastic sediments have been used to compile the stratigraphic scheme and to estimate the age of units. The low-mountain topography was differentiated to ridges and basins to the beginning of Quaternary. The eruptions of basalts and basaltic andesites evened topography of the Upper Akhurian and Lori basins in the Gelasian. The lava flows spread along big river valleys at tens of kilometers. At the late Gelasian, the eruptions of basaltic trachyandesites, trachyandesites and dacites replaced the basaltic eruptions. The latter dammed the Akhurian River flowing to the south and the upper Akhurian River found the flowing to the east via the valley-like depression of the Karakhach Pass to the Dzoraghet-Debed valley. The course-grained tuffaceous-clastic Karakhach unit was deposited during the Olduvai subchron (not earlier than 1.9–1.85 Ma) and the earliest Calabrian. The water transit between the Upper Akhurian and Lori basins was interrupted later because of rise of the Karakhach Pass. Volcanic activity renewed for a short time in the early Calabrian (∼1.7 and 1.5–1.4 Ma). The end Calabrian and earliest Middle Pleistocene sedimentation (∼1–0.5 Ma) occurred in stagnant water, partly lacustrine conditions. This was expressed by formation of the relatively fine-grained Kurtan unit. During the last ∼0.5 Ma, the region underwent flexure-fault deformation and tectonic uplift at 350–800 m. The epoch of formation of the Karakhach unit was characterized by middle mountain topography and humid climate. Not later than 1.85 Ma, the region was occupied by the earliest hominines producing lithic industries of the Early Acheulian aspect. They contained crude hand-axes and other macro-tools, made of local dacite and basalt (sites of Karakhach, Muradovo and Agvorik). Early appearance of these industries might be caused by natural parting of dacite and basalt to tabulated fragments that gave a possibility to make such macro-tools. The Middle Acheulian artifacts were found in the Kurtan I section of the Kurtan unit.

Latest Pleistocene fossil soils and deposits have been described in the geoarchaeological site Divnogorie 9 (the Middle Don drainage basin) under the name of Divnogorie pedolithocomplex. For the first time, a soil-sediment series with 2–3 levels of soil formation has been described in the forest-steppe of the Russian Plain and dated to the Bolling–Allerod interval (BO–AL). That was the last soil formation of Pre-Holocene time. The soils are weakly developed (immature), of meadow and burozem genesis. They formed for a few hundreds of years in periglacial steppe environments, under forest-steppe vegetation. The lower soil (attributed to Bolling) is dated at 13.5–14 ka cal BP and defined as a weakly developed Petrocalcic Skeletic Colluvic Siltic Chernozem. Under coniferous-broadleaf forests the middle soil is described as Umric Calcaric Colluvic Siltic Leptosol and dated at Dryas-2. The uppermost soil dated at Allerod is weakly developed Skeletic Calcaric Colluvic Siltic Cambisol formed under coniferous-broadleaf forest-steppe. The data obtained made possible reconstructions of the Late Glacial climates and landscapes. The underlying sediments are the deposits of Divnogorie paleo-lake. The deposits include seven bone-bearing horizons with Late Upper Palaeolithic lithic tools. They are dated to the interval 17–14 ka Cal BP.

The discovery of the Early Pleistocene sites of Bogatyri/Sinyaya Balka and Rodniki 1 on the Taman Peninsula in western Ciscaucasia led to the recognition of a distinctive “Tamanian industry”, with a time-range of 1.6–1.2 Ma, and with characteristics that are transitional between Oldowan and Acheulean (“Archaic Acheulean”). The site of Kermek was discovered by V.E. Shchelinsky in 2008 during investigation of the older Lower Pleistocene sediments exposed in the coastal cliff of the Sea of Azov in the vicinity of previously studied sites. In this paper, we present preliminary data from a multidisciplinary study of the Early Pleistocene site of Kermek, situated near to the sites of Bogatyri/Sinyaya Balka and Rodniki 1, but which is significantly older. This site is connected with a well-studied Early Pleistocene (late Kujalnikian) fluviatile-shallow marine sequence. These reverse magnetized deposits are characterized by freshwater and brackish water mollusks (with Dreissena theodori), and by a small mammal fauna (with Allophaiomys deucalion), and are dated to the latest Gelasian or early Calabrian ca. 2.1–1.8 Ma. The lithic industry from the site can be attributed to the Classic Oldowan but with distinctive local features that include indications of “advanced technologies” such as the manufacture of large flakes and picks. In this respect, this industry is assumed to have been a genetic precursor of the later Early Pleistocene Tamanian industry, which has a well pronounced Acheulean component.

Integrated paleogeographic studies have been performed on the loess and soil sequence in the lower reaches of the Orkhon R., northern Mongolia. The samples were taken continuously through the sequence and studied using a broad assortment of field and laboratory analyses. There are five paleosols exposed in the section under study crowned with the present-day soil and separated from each other by loess horizons or proluvial-deluvial deposits. The dating by radiocarbon proved the soil development beginning from the early Holocene. The two lower soils (PS4 and PS5) formed at that interval are noted for the minimum salinity and a considerable content of carbonates. The soils dated to the middle Holocene (PS3 and PS2) contain the least proportion of organic matter and increased salinity, which may be attributed to a dryer climate (even at optimum intervals) than in the early and late Holocene. In common with the present-day soil, the PS1 buried soil is characterized by negligible (or absent) salinity, and a noticeable accumulation of organic matter and carbonates indicative of favorable warm and relatively wet conditions. All the pollen assemblages indicate the dominance of grass vegetation; it may be safely suggested that open meadow and steppe landscapes, occasionally replaced by semi-deserts, prevailed in the considered region during the Holocene.

A variety of studies of the re-examined (new exposure) Late Pleistocene key section Cheremoshnik (East European plain, middle of the Volga Basin of Yaroslavl) was conducted on a new methodological level using modern methods. For the first time, a series of paleosols (MIS5–MIS1) from the section offering significant information in regard to chronostratigraphy and landscape evolution have been studied in detail and dated. An excavation ∼7 m deep reveals a soil-sediment stratum which formed over the course of ∼115 ka in an accumulative beam-like terrace and consists of five lithological layers and six pedostratigraphical units. The base of the section was determined to be an Early Mikulino peat-dark humus paleosol which marked incipient subaerial pedogenesis on the Moscow (Riss II) moraine and was covered with a thickness of gyttja with a peat horizon (Histosol) which had formed 114–115 ka and was reliably dated using uranium–thorium dating. The following paleosols were successfully identified within the series of weak stone gullied-channel sediments within the Valdai (Wűrm) thickness (from bottom to top): (1) Bryansk paleosol (MIS3) – Gleysol – with three pedogenesis rhythms; (2) Trubchevskaya paleоsol – Gleyic Turbic Cryosol (MIS2) and (3) pedosediment formed at the end of the Bӧlling interstadial (MIS2). Terminal Pleistocene formations are marked with a gravelly stratum on the section's surface formed during the Preboreal period. Recent Regosol formed on loess-like loam deposits was identified at the top of the whole soil-sediment stratum. The 14C age of the paleosol humus varied between 27,500 and 11,400 cal. BP. The paleosols represent the northernmost occurrence of MIS5–MIS2 fossil soil in Europe, dominated by features of gleyzation, cryogenic aggregation, cracking, and humus and peat formation. Pollen analysis results allowed estimation of changes in vegetation cover, climatic conditions and the age of deposit sedimentation for the period from the Moskow Late Glacial to the Valdai Late Glacial and early Holocene times. Successive stages in the development of vegetation, high contents of alder and hazel pollen and the climax and distinct appearance of broadleaf trees relate the formation of biogenic sediments (LPAZ 2–6) in the Cheremoshnik section to the Mikulino Interglacial. Valdai (MIS4–MIS2) glacial sediment is absent within the investigated area.

Integrated study of the multilayer Zaktui site supplied a large volume of paleontological materials and a series of radiocarbon dates falling within the MIS 3–MIS 1 interval. Multidisciplinary data provided evidence of the past dynamics of environments and climate. Paleontological data point to a mosaic structure of landscapes, and suggest a temperate warm and humid climate in the south-western Baikal region during MIS 3 interval, with some regional deviations.

As a result of integrated researches on two Paleolithic sites of the Fore-Baikal region – Bol'shoj Naryn and Gerasimov's, the first representative mammal fauna of the Karginian interstadial been dated and characterized. That provided the basis for reconstructing the paleoenvironments in the Fore-Baikal region during MIS 3. The species composition of the faunal remains recovered from the Bol'shoj Naryn site in the course of five-year excavations since 2003 was examined in details. Since 2010, the cultural layer was studied layer-by-layer (at 5 cm intervals), all the artifacts and faunal remains (of mollusks, birds, and mammals) being described. In addition, the lower, middle and upper parts of cultural layer were sampled for palynological analysis. The geological and paleontological data thus obtained suggest a moderately cold and humid climate in the Fore-Baikal region during MIS 3, with predominant open landscapes of steppes and relatively limited areas under taiga forest, tundra, and wetlands. There are abundant data on significant environmental changes in the Fore-Baikal region during MIS 3 previously obtained by investigators, such as pollen spectra recovered from the Lake Kotokel bottom sediments or faunal remains (including small mammals) excavated from the Bol'shoj Naryn site. The present study, however, differs from the earlier ones in that it included multidisciplinary analysis of a large number of faunal and floral remains recovered from the same section and characterizing the same region. The data thus obtained from the Bol'shoj Naryn site are extremely important for better understanding of the Late Pleistocene environments of the Fore-Baikal region.

New data on location, height, and composition of terraces of the El-Kabir and Orontes rivers in Syria are represented. By combined use of paleontological, archaeological, paleomagnetic, and radio-isotopic methods, ages of these river terraces are estimated and they are correlated with the Euphrates River terraces. The age of the terraces is defined more precisely by evidence of synchronism of the El-Kabir alluvial terraces and the marine terraces of the Mediterranean coast. The average rates of incision during different time intervals were estimated in the studied valleys and their segments using relative height of the terraces. This gives the possibility of approximately estimating a rate of the Quaternary uplift in different tectonic provinces of Syria as well as rates of vertical movements on the Lattaqieh (the El-Kabir valley), Hama (the Orontes valley), and Euphrates (the Euphrates valley) faults. The rates of incision were usually small in the earlier stages of the valley formation and increased later. The Middle and Late Pleistocene rates of the valley incision reach ∼220–280 mm/ky in the El-Kabir valley (the Coastal Range-anticline), ∼80–130 mm/ky in the Orontes valley and the Euphrates upstream of the Assad Reservoir (the mobile platformal Aleppo Block), and ∼25–30 mm/ky in the Euphrates valley downstream of the Assad Reservoir (southwestern side of the Mesopotamian Foredeep).

This work is aimed at characterizing the 40-m-thick Paleogene-Neogene sedimentary sequence of Bel’kov Island, which was accumulated in the marginal part of a fluvial plain. On the basis of the plant megafossils and spore-pollen data, the studied sediments were formed in the Late Eocene-Early Miocene with a probable sedimentation gap at the Eocene-Oligocene boundary. It was substantiated that the Paleogene-Neogene sediments were developed as a continuous cover over the entire area of Bel’kov Island. Later, they were eroded away from the island, but presumably preserved on the Bel’kov Horst and Zarya Strait. This suggests that the pre-Quaternary seismic complex, which continuously covers the Bel’kov Horst, also has Late Eocene-Early Miocene age. Selective dating of nonrounded detrital zircons from Lower Miocene conglomerates allowed us to substantiate the transportation of sediments from the Verkhoyansk-Kolyma Fold System along the Bel’kov-Svyatoi Nos Graben. The crystalline basement similar to the Ust’-Lena inlier was likely exposed on the East Laptev Horst and served as the source of metamorphic detritus, including zircons dated within 1850–2000 Ma.

In this paper, a detailed overview of the Holocene evolution of the North Dvina river (ND) delta (southern White Sea) is presented; it is based on radiocarbon dating, geomorphological and other field surveys, and plant macrofossil and palynological data. We have identified three main stages of the delta evolution: estuary erosional (Allerød — 5700 cal BC), lagoon or tidal-marsh (5700 cal BC — 3700 cal BC) and fan-delta accumulative (3700 cal BC — present). These stages are correlated with local climatic curves, sea level changes, glacioisostatic raise curve and Baltic Sea stages. A variety of landforms has been identified and dated within the delta. These results help to explain the spatial and temporal patterns in the prehistoric human occupation of this area.

New archaic Early Palaeolithic sites, Bogatyri/Sinyaya Balka and Rodniki, are reported from the Taman Peninsula in southern Russia. The geological setting of the sites as well as the mammal fauna, palynological data, and palaeomagnetic data clearly indicate mid Early Pleistocene, Early Biharian age of the deposits. In many of its typological and technological characteristics, the archaeological assemblages of Bogatyri/Sinyaya Balka and Rodniki are similar to the Oldowan industry, although they show specific local features.

Data on Eastern European fossil mammal fauna and palaeoflora dated to the Last Glacial Maximum (24–18 kyr BP) have been summarized using PARADOX and ARC/VIEW software. Palaeobotanical material from 54 sections (197 samples altogether) was studied, along with mammal fossils recovered from 55 localities. This made it possible to compile a series of electronic maps for indicator mammal and plant species for the considered time interval. An analysis of the spatial distribution of species belonging to different ecological groups enabled the identification of principal mammal assemblages and plant communities of the LGM. The whole volume of data was then processed using a range of mathematical techniques. The classes of the palynologically studied sections were analysed integrally with those of mammal localities both in the multidimensional axes space and in physical space (described by their geographical coordinates). Mathematical processing of a considerable amount of palaeobiological data permitted the identification of individual groups of mammals and plants and to make a further comparison between them. In this way, palaeoenvironments of the coldest phase of the Valdai glaciation for the territory of Eastern Europe were reconstructed for the first time by means of simultaneous analysis of theriological and palaeobotanical data using mathematical techniques.

In order to provide new data on the neotectonics and geodynamic properties of western Syria, studies of marine terraces have been carried out. The most attention was paid to the lower terraces in the range of 3–5 to 30–35 m above sea level, because they have more complete distributions along the shore. The lower terraces were examined along the coastal area from Tartus to Latakia, and along the carbonate cliff on Arwad Island. Seven 230 Th/U dates for these terraces are in the range of 85–130 ka, suggesting the age interval of the last interglacial (MIS 5). New dates on the lower terraces provide a basis for stratigraphical and geomorphological interpretation as well as neotectonic reconstruction. According to the geomorphological data and lithological composition of those terraces, two main uplifted blocks can be established. One coincides with the Latakia block, and another corresponds to the western margin of the Banias volcanic plateau. These blocks are divided by a subsided structure corresponding to the Nahr el Kebir graben. The amplitude of neotectonic uplifting in the Latakia and Banias blocks reaches 15–20 m for the Late Pleistocene.

Morpho-analytical features of the paleocatena (a complexly organized heterochronous sequence), which contains 2 pedostratigraphical units: formed on the Holocene mantle loams Umbric Albeluvisol and the underlain Middle Valday (Wűrmian) paleopedocomplex developed on Moscowian (Riss II) moraine deposits, are described. The buried pedocomplex consisted of: 1) the paleohumus and paleogley (2Atgb–2Gtb–3Atgb) and 2) paleohumus (3Atgb–3AtGb) horizons. Thus, these pedostratigraphic units reflect two studies of pedogenesis marked by two paleohumus horizons. The horizons of the paleopedocomplex are separate parts of the profile classified as the Umbric Gley soil formed during OIS3. The 14C age of the three paleosol horizons varied between 24,350–30,900 yr BP. The studied paleopedocomplex is the only one known containing the Middle-Valday paleosol formed on moraine deposits, which is a clear sign of the northernmost occurrence of the Bryansk fossil soil in Europe. A detailed hierarchical morphological study of the paleopedocomplex, including meso- and submicromorphological and magnetic susceptibility analyses, allowed us to identify the Late Quaternary pedogenic processes under severe extra-continental climate, including gleyzation, aggregation, cracking and humus formation. Good preservation of these individual pedogenic processes is shown to be a soil memory under the overlapping press of Holocene pedogenesis. It was shown that the clay coating in the Middle Valday of the pedocomplex is a part of the Holocene soil formation. Based on the palynological data, it is possible to subdivide the development of paleovegetation of the area into four stages during which the paleosol horizons had being formed. At the beginning and the final stage of the Middle Valday, the forest–tundra landscapes with inclusions of tundra–steppe associations predominated. During the optimum of Bryansk Interstade, the periglacial pine-birch formations were widespread.

The available data on the loess-paleosol formation in South Tajikistan illustrate the completeness of climatostratigraphic records. However, studies with a multidisciplinary approach have not been practically used for paleoenvironmental reconstructions. This study partially corrects the lack of data on paleolandscape evolution in the loess area of Pamir and Tien Shan piedmonts. Darai Kalon serves as a key section embracing the upper part of the Matuyama Chron and the entire Brunhes Chron. High resolution magnetic susceptibility record shows that during the Brunhes epoch the climate cycles reflected by the Central Asian loess-paleosol succession can be correlated to the deep-sea oxygen isotope curve. The combination of pedological and palynological material is particularly useful for mutual interpretation. Lithological and mineralogical data essentially extend our understanding of pedogenetic and paleoclimatic dynamics. The tendency of soil and paleoenvironmental evolution recorded in the Darai Kalon section can be associated with subtropical semi-humid forest and forest-steppe landscapes. The variation of paleoclimatic parameters and paleovegetation type are characteristic of the contemporary vertical zone of Cinnamon Soils.

Loess-palaeosol sequences are widespread in the northern Black Sea coastal area. Unlike the quasi-continuous loess-palaeosol series in Central Asia and the Loess Plateau of China, the incomplete geological record of loess-palaeosol successions in Europe provokes different stratigraphical interpretations for different sections. Despite a long history of investigation, many uncertainties still remain in the geochronology of the regional stratigraphy. In this study, some of the most representative loess-palaeosol sections of Moldova, the Dniester Republic, Southern Ukraine and Southern Russia were examined. A multidisciplinary approach was used to establish stratigraphical markers. Seven palaeosols/pedocomplexes are distinguished within the Brunhes chron in the loess-palaeosol sequence in the studied area. The position of the Matuyama-Brunhes (M-B) reversal is drawn at the base of the Kolkotova palaeosol complex in the Khadzimus section. The Jaramillo subchron was revealed at the base of the loess formation. This magnetostratigraphic framework is confirmed by biostratigraphical data. Small mammals are valuable, serving as very important evidence for long-distance correlation. Paleopedological data combined with magnetic susceptibility profiles provide additional stratigraphic control for a loess-palaeosol correlation. The results allow us to conclude that the main paleoenvironmental changes occurred ca. 1 Ma ago when lagoon and alluvial sedimentation was replaced by increasing loess accumulaton. During some intervals, erosion or variation in the loess sedimentation rate at different sites are responsible for the variability of the loess-palaeosol alternation. The correlation of the loess-palaeosol succession in the Brunhes chron with marine oxygen isotope stages suggests that the beginning of the loess-palaeosol formation of the Middle Pleistocene was forced by more pronounced long paleoclimatic cycles than are noticed prior to the M-B reversal.

The paleofloral records from 108 sections of the Russian Plain for the Briansk interstadial (33–24 ka) and the maximum of the Late Valdai glaciation (24–18 ka) have been combined in a palynological database. A series of electronic maps of indicator plant species and different plant communities, determining certain vegetation paleophytocoenoses and the landscape as a whole, were reconstructed. Forest communities occurred fragmentarily. They were mainly associated with dissected areas. Subarctic and steppe plants were represented almost everywhere. The predominance of open landscapes (periglacial steppe and periglacial forest steppe formations) during the Middle and Late Valdai on the Russian Plain indicates a moderately cold climate during the Briansk interstadial and a cold continental climate during the Late Valdai glaciation.

Excavations at Sevsk, Bryansk Region, Russia, by the Paleontological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences in 1988–1991 recovered 3800 bones of woolly mammoth ( Mammuthus primigenius Blum.) representing a minimum of 33 individuals. The locality is one of the largest naturally occurring deposits of mammoth remains in Europe and is inferred to be a catastrophic death assemblage. The material includes five skeletons of juvenile mammoths, from 1 month to 6 or 7 years of age, as well as partial skeletons and isolated bones of adult individuals. A femur and humerus of an approximately 10–12-month-old fetus are also among the finds. Morphological features suggest that the Sevsk mammoths belonged to one family group; the age structure and sexual composition of the assemblage do not differ significantly from that of a family group of Modern African elephants. In contrast to other localities in Siberia and central Russia, relatively more (about 45% of individuals) prepubertal animals are preserved at Sevsk. Radiocarbon dates indicate that the mammoths died about 14,000 years ago. Data from diatoms, pollen and rodents, as well as archeological evidence, corroborate this age, and provide the basis for a paleoenvironmental reconstruction at the end of the Valdaian Glaciation in western Russia.

Abundant mammal (45 localities) and plant (52 sections) fossil data collected from the Russian Plain deposits of the Middle Valdai Briansk Interstade indicate a period of noticeable warming. These materials were jointly analyzed. The data were organized in the database software PARADOX and then moved to the GIS program ARC/INFO. Mathematical methods as well as traditional research methods were used for the analysis. The reconstructed biogeographical provinces illustrate the specific environmental and climatic conditions of the Briansk Interstade. Analogues of modern natural zones did not exist at this time on the Russian Plain. The Briansk landscapes reflect the moderate-cool climate of this period, when the majority of northern subarctic plant and mammal species extended their ranges considerably to the south to the Central Russian Plain. At the same time, steppe species penetrated farther north and west. This combination shows that the continuous forest zone was destroyed during the Briansk Inter-stade. Five biogeographical provinces have been reconstructed from the north to the south for the Russian Plain during the Briansk warming on the basis of joint analysis of mammalian and botanical data.

The records of the last interglacial in several palaeogeographical zones and various sedimentary environments from Central Asia to the Black Sea shoreline are presented. The last interglacial is characterized in the study areas by a two- or three-unit stratigraphical complex with both terrestrial and marine formations. Finds of significant small mammalian remains, together with a characteristic mollusc fauna in the Karangatian marine sediments, provide key levels for biostratigraphical correlation between the marine and continental deposits. New U/Th dates allow the correlation of the Karangatian transgression with δ18O substage 5e.