No full-text available
To read the full-text of this research,
you can request a copy directly from the authors.
Stratigraphic position and natural environment of the oldest Middle Palaeolithic in central Podolia, Ukraine: New data from the Velykyi Glybochok site
Abstract
Velykyi Glybochok is an important multi-cultural Palaeolithic site, known since 1979. Besides the Late Palaeolithic (I) and Upper Palaeolithic (II) cultural layers, in this site the following Middle Palaeolithic layers are found: III-B in the soil from the last interglacial, III-A in the Ternopil soil horizon from the penultimate glaciation, and III (the oldest Palaeolithic settlement in Podolia) in the soil from the penultimate interglacial. The ages of these cultural layers are determined from their situation in a complex sequence of loesses and paleosols. In this paper we report the results of excavations carried out in the years 2007–2012, which were supplemented with geophysical recognition. The excavations were conducted in a karst depression formed in Neogene limestones. It is filled and covered by loess containing partially redeposited paleosols. These deposits were sampled for lithological, palaeopedological, palaeomagnetic and palynological analyses, the results of which were used for palaeoenvironmental interpretation. Chronostratigraphy was determined based on TL and IRSL dating as well as palaeomagnetic studies. In comparison with the older investigations, the new discovery is quite well-preserved, with a bipartite complex of paleosols (S2-II and S2-I) from the penultimate interglacial (MIS 7), which occurs between the Odranian (Dnieper) loess L3 and the Wartanian (Tyasmin) loess L2. The paleosols are of interglacial nature. Forest and then steppe vegetation grew during two stages of their formation, which were separated by a cool period when a small accumulation of loess and frost processes occurred. The oldest Middle Palaeolithic cultural layer occurs in the older soil (S2-II), indicating that it is the trace of the oldest Palaeolithic settlement in the western Ukraine. Flint artefacts were made using the Levallois method, rarely found in the sites with the Middle Palaeolithic oldest assemblages, rare in Eastern Europe.
... Des pièces moustériennes à débitage Levallois ont également été mises au jour à Kozarnika en Bulgarie, dans la couche 10b rapportée au SIM 6 (130-200 ka) (Guadelli et al., 2005). Le débitage Levallois datant du SIM 7 est par ailleurs déjà connu dans différents sites de Podolie en particulier à Velykyi-Glybochok où a été découvert le plus ancien assemblage paléolithique moyen de Podolie (Sytnik, 2000 ;Lanczont et al., 2014). Ce dernier, à débitage Levallois, a été mis au jour dans le paléosol inférieur S2 II du pédocomplexe S2 dédoublé (S2 I et S2 II) attribué au SIM 7 et daté 235 AE 22 ka par la méthode post-IR IRSL. ...
... Cette étude nous a ainsi permis de démontrer pour la première fois, l'existence dans l'Est de la Roumanie, d'occupations humaines du Paléolithique moyen attribuables au Pléistocène moyen. Ces conclusions sont parfaitement cohérentes avec les industries lithiques du Paléolithique moyen datées du SIM 6 et du SIM 7 par la méthode IRSL au sein de la séquence loessique de Velykyi-Glybochok en Ukraine (Lanczont et al., 2014) ainsi qu'avec les industries moustériennes à débitage Levallois de Kozarnika en Bulgarie rapportées au SIM 6 (Guadelli et al., 2005). ...
... En Roumanie, les traces d'occupations humaines correspondant à la phase ancienne du Paléolithique moyen, c'est-à-dire d'un âge antérieur au Dernier Interglaciaire (SIM 5.5) étaient jusqu'au début des années 2000 considérées comme inexistantes alors que les industries lithiques du Paléolithique moyen ancien sont nombreuses dans les pays voisins, en Bulgarie à Kozarnika (Guadelli et al., 2005), en Ukraine à Korolevo (Haesaerts et Koulakovka, 2006) ainsi qu'à Velykyi-Glybochok en Podolie (Sytnik, 2000 ;Boguckyj et al., 2009 ;Lanczont et al., 2014). Par contre, de nombreuses industries lithiques du Paléolithique moyen récent (Dernier Glaciaire) ont été mises au jour en Roumanie dans le remplissage de grottes de Transylvanie (Cârciumaru, 1999) et dans des séquences loessiques à la périphérie des Carpates (Cârciumaru, 1999 ;Pȃunescu, 1999aPȃunescu, et b, 2000. ...
Résumé
Dans le cadre de cette étude, la chronologie de plusieurs gisements intralœssiques du Paléolithique supérieur et moyen, situés en Moldavie, en Dobrogea et dans la plaine orientale du Danube, a été réexaminée et précisée en s’appuyant sur de nouvelles données chronologiques (dates IRSL sur lœss et dates ESR/U-Th sur dents) ainsi que sur des arguments biostratigraphiques et pédostratigraphiques. Des témoins d’occupation du Paléolithique moyen ont été mis au jour dans le lœss L2 du SIM 6 (épisode interstadiaire), le pédocomplexe S2 du SIM 7 et le pédocomplexe de sols rougeâtres S3 vraisemblablement attribué au SIM 9. Ces résultats nous amènent à reconsidérer l’étendue chronologique du Paléolithique moyen de Roumanie qui jusqu’au début des années 2000 (Păunescu, 1999a, b ; Cârciumaru, 1999) était limitée au Pléistocène supérieur (chronologie courte : 130–35 ka ; SIM 5-SIM 3). Nous démontrons donc ici la présence de traces d’occupation humaine dès le Pléistocène moyen à la périphérie orientale des Carpates roumaines, le long de la vallée du Danube et de son affluent le Prut.
... The following analytical data were obtained: grain size distribution (Seul, 2002), heavy minerals (Racinowski, 2002), pollen (Komar, 2002), animal remains (Wojtal et al., 2001;Alexandrowicz et al., 2002;Wojtal, 2002;Boguckyj et al., 2008Boguckyj et al., , 2009. Deposit age was determined by UeTh method (7 dating) as well as 14 C (5 dating) and TL (56 dating) methods (Hercman and Gorka, 2002;Kusiak, 2002;Fedorowicz, 2006;Fedorowicz et al., 2007;Łanczont, 2013a). ...
... Antoine et al., 2009;Obreht et al., 2014;Vandenberghe et al., 2014) due to its universal nature and possibility of correlation with marine records. The distinguished soil units were also named according to the regional stratigraphic loess schema of the Volhynian-Podolian and Halych Prydnistrov'ja region Łanczont, 2013a, 2014a. All units were correlated with the loess and palaeosol units in Central Ukraine (Gozhik et al., 1995(Gozhik et al., , 2001 and related to the stratigraphic units of the Pleistocene in Western Europe and the chronostratigraphic calibration of MIS (Cohen and Gibbard, 2012;also see refs.;Ber, 2006;Lindner et al., 2006;Preusser and Fiebig, 2009) (Table 1). ...
... Its age was determined at 234 ka in the Zahvizdja profile (Kusiak, 2002) and at 233 ka in the Marynopil profile . In the Podolia region, in the Velykyi Hlybochok key-profile this set of soils was dated at 188e240 ka (Fedorowicz, 2006;Łanczont et al., 2013b). ...
... Завдяки міжнародній співпраці і грантам низка опорних розрізів досліджена з використанням найновіших методів аналітичних досліджень -літологічних, палеонтологічних (палеозоологічних, палеоботанічних, палеомалакологічних, палеоостракодологічних), палеокріогенних, мікроморфологічних, геохімічних, геофізичних (передусім палеомагнітних), абсолютного датування та ін. Сьогодні вивчено десятки опорних розрізів на Волинському Поліссі (Калинівка, Ростань та ін.) , Волинській височині (Бояничі, Нововолинськ, Перемисловичі, Торчин, Коршів, Горохів, Рівне, Дубно-Тараканів, Басів-Кут, Здолбунів та ін.) Богуцький і Волошин, 2006a, 2006b, 2008a, 2008b, 2010, 2011, Подільській височині (Ванжулів, Буглів, Тернопіль, Великий Глибочок, Пронятин, Збараж, Підволочиськ, Волочиськ, Красносілка, Летичів, Шаровечка, Ярмолинці, Скала-Подільська, Буцнів, Вендичани, Молодове та ін.) (Богуцький і Волошин, 2012;Богуцький та ін., 2014, 2018aСитник і Богуцький, 1998;Ситник та ін., 20112009b;Łanczont et al., 2014a, 2014b, Передкарпатті (Крукеничі, Мостиська, Торгановичі, Кружики, Слохині, Дубрівка, Дубаневичі, Галич, Єзупіль, Довге, Маріямпіль, Колодіїв, Загвіздя, Межигірці та ін.) (Богуцький та ін., 2010, 2012a2018bBoguckyj et al., 2001;, 2010Nawrocki et al., 2002), Закарпатті (Королево) (Nawrocki et al., 2016) тощо. З наведеної проблематики видано десятки наукових праць, а за дослідженнями деяких розрізів опубліковано монографії (Колодіїв, Скала-Подільська, Великий Глибочок та ін.). ...
... Є. Навроцьким опрацьовано розрізи Королево, Галич, Єзупіль І, Колодіїв, Загвіздя, Скала-Подільська, Вендичани, Бояничі, Коршів, Торчин, Рівне, Великий Глибочок, Пронятин, Волочиськ, Велика Кісниця, Роксолани, Дніпровське та ін. (Boguckij et al., 2009b;Boguckyj et al., 2001;Nawrocki et al., 2002Nawrocki et al., , 2016Łanczont et al., 2014a. Встановлено межу палеомагнітних епох Брюнес/Матуяма у розрізах Королево, Загвіздя, Скала-Подільська, а також низку палеомагнітних епізодів, зокрема: Блейк -95±13 тис. ...
The Department of Geomorphology and Palaeogeography of the Faculty of Geography at the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv employs a group of palaeogeographers (A. Bogucki, O. Tomeniuk, A. Yatsyshyn, R. Dmytruk), which comprehensively studies Quaternary sediments in Western Ukraine and other territories of the country. The thematic focus of palaeogeographic research is very diversified: the study of key sections of Quaternary sediments; conditions of formation and structure of periglacial loess-palaeosol sequences; research of the deposits of the glacial complex; periglacial processes and forms; the role of tectonics in the formation of Quaternary sediments; interdisciplinary research of the Palaeolithic; engineering and geological investigations; geophysical research; mineralogical research; weathering of anhydrite; study of the Holocene stage of the formation of the Dnister River valley; river terraces; lithology of alluvium; study of the Vyshnia River valley; malacological research; research of travertines, history of geography, etc. The selected issues are a priority research topic of the palaeogeographic group of the Department of Geomorphology and Palaeogeography. On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the department, an attempt to summarize the scientific achievements of palaeogeographers over the past twenty years, particularly in thematic directions of research, was made. A large amount of new original factual material has been received, a significant number of international and Ukrainian scientific grants have been implemented, ten PhD students have defended their theses and received a PhD degree, more than 500 scientific papers have been published, more than half of which are in European Union languages. Due to the limited scope of this article, the greatest attention among all of the publications is paid to selected monographic works, collections of scientific papers prepared by researchers, papers in the journals from Scopus and Web of Science databases, and some others. It is worth mentioning the close cooperation of palaeogeographers of the Faculty of Geography with researchers from Ukraine, Poland, Belarus, Lithuania, France, Belgium and other countries. Without doubts, there are all the reasons to talk about a progressive palaeogeographic school at the Faculty of Geography, whose work is gaining momentum. Key words: palaeogeography; key sections; loess-palaeosol sequence; Quaternary period; periglacial processes; Palaeolithic.
... This weakly developed soil horizon, with traces of gleying (tundragley type), is stratified, disturbed by cryoturbations, and contains up to 18% carbonates and about 1.8% Fe 2 O 3 . This horizon can be interpreted as the Dubno soil (MIS 3), mostly based on the comparison with the neighbouring profiles in Podolia where this horizon is very similarly developed, occurs in similar sequences and contains archaeological materials, enabling stratigraphic correlations (Sytnyk et al., 2011b;Łanczont et al., 2014a, 2014b. On the other hand, the obtained TL age (20.6 ± 2.3 ka) indicates the younger Rivne horizon (Fig. 4, Table 1). ...
... Denuded interglacial soils Korshiv (S2) and Gorohiv (S1) are covered by mantles composed of great blocks of carbonate rocks, fine debris, loess, and packages of underlying soils. The same is true for interstadial horizons within the loess L2 (Ternopil) and L1 (Dubno) (Bogucki et al., 2009;Sytnyk et al., 2010;Łanczont et al., 2014a). ...
The Middle Palaeolithic site in Pronyatyn village is situated on the Ternopil Plateau, on the eastern, long and straight slope of the Krucha Gora hill (369.5 m a.s.l.). The structure of loess cover in this area was investigated in the series of archaeological excavations to a depth of 5–6 m in 1977–1985, 2010 and 2011. Lithological, palaeomagnetical and palynological analyses, as well as TL dating were carried out in the selected profiles. In all profiles, under thin cover of loess from the last aeolian deposition sub-cycle (MIS 2), a set of soils of S1 = Gorohiv s.l.; (MIS 5 complex) exists. This complex is composed of interglacial and interstadial units. Forest and forest-steppe vegetation, followed by a rich steppe with the continuous occurrence of trees and shrubs and without subarctic elements, developed during the stages of its formation. Based on the investigations of loess cover carried out over a large area, it was found that all sequences are spatially diversified in the profiles located along and across the slope in the middle part of this area. This diversity resulted from the development of pedogenetic and slope processes, depending on morphological features of individual slope segments. In the southern part of the study area, outside the extent of artifact occurrence, the deposits representing MIS 5 are undisturbed or slightly disturbed and contain a loess-soil sequence, which is composed of the interglacial Cambisol (with evidence for the Blake palaeomagnetic event) and 2–3 interstadial soils. Artifacts were discovered in the northern and northwestern parts of the study area, within a solifluctionally redeposited chernozem occurring on a denuded Luvisol. Based on the analysis of the artifact collection, the flint industry is the Western-Podolian, Levallois, radial-parallel, flakes-and-blades, without two-sided tools and with domination of knife-like products on Levallois blanks. This suggestion of the flint industry age as within the younger part of MIS 5 is supported by TL dates. It is most possible that this settlement took place in MIS 5c. Based on spatial distribution of artifacts, state of their preservation, and the features of solifluction deposits representing the younger part of MIS 5, we conclude that the site was originally located on the slope above the excavation area, about 30–50 m to the west.
... Many world-famous Palaeolithic sites in Ukraine such as Molodovo I, V, Velykyi Hlybochok, Pronyatyn, Ihrovytsia, Halych and others are associated with the loess-palaeosol sequences of the Volhyn-Podolian Upland , Ivanova, Tseitlin (ed) 1987, Łanczont et al. 2014a, 2014b, 2015. ...
In the Volhynian-Podolian Upland, which is located in the western part of Ukraine, loess-palaeosol sequences are widespread. They cover watersheds, watershed slopes, high river terraces with a mantle up to 50 m thick. They are associated with almost all types of human economic activity. Chernozems, the most fertile soils of Ukraine, are formed on the loess.
The key sections, which are the most complete, most characteristic and the best studied using a set of modern analytical methods, are of great importance for the study of the Quaternary loess-palaeosol sequences. In recent years, interest in geological heritage has grown significantly in Ukraine. We have considerable achievements in the study of loess-palaeosol sequences. Thus, we will recommend some key sections as natural monuments for inclusion in the state inventories of geological heritage.
... Доцільно зазначити, що в Україні використовуються різні стратиграфічні схеми четвертинного періоду: регіональна стратиграфічна схема Західної України (Bogucki, 1986; і стратиграфічна схема НСК України (Veklitch et al., 1993) та її модифікований варіант (Gerasimenko, 2004;Gozhik et al., 2000;Matviishyna et al., 2010). Стосовно кореляції стратиграфічних схем є певні розбіжності, які стосуються положення кайдацького і дніпровського кліматолітів (Rousseau et al., 2001;Gerasimenko, 2006;Lindner et al., 2006;Łanczont & Boguckyj, 2007;Łanczont et al., 2014;Haesaerts et al., 2016). ...
The Novyi Tik loess-palaeosol sequence is characterized by a detailed stratification due to both its location on the slope of the valleys of Berestova and Styr rivers, as well as excavation of buried gullies, which serve as sediment traps. Nineteen basic stratigraphic units have been allocated in the section, grouped into 7 main units (4 loesses and 3 pedocomplexes). In 2018, a flint artefact was found in the upper pedocomplex (Pedocomplex I), which was interpreted as a Levallois bilateral-alternative sub-rectangular core nucleus. The precise stratigraphic position of the artefact and the comprehensive study of the loess-palaeosol sequence by the methods of Earth sciences (lithological and stratigraphical, palaeopedological (including micromorphological), geochemical and palynological) enable not only to establish chronostratigraphic position of the tool, but also to reconstruct the habitat of ancient humans. The Levallois core nucleus was found in the BCs horizon of the Podzol (subunit 10c). The Pedocomplex I was tentatively correlated with the Horohiv soil complex of the regional stratigraphic scheme of Western Ukraine, with the Pryluky-Kaydaky pedocomplex of the Quaternary stratigraphic framework of Ukraine and with MIS 5. The soil, which contained the artefact, probably corresponds to the lower Kolodiiv soil (Kolodiiv-3). The tentative age of the core nucleus is the end of the MIS 5d or the beginning of the MIS 5c. Thus, the studied section is currently the oldest stratified Palaeolithic site of the Volyn' Upland. This site could be the key to exploring the Middle Palaeolithic of the region. A split Mammuthus primigenius bone found at the bottom of Bug loess (MIS 2) enhances the site's importance.
... Many world-famous Palaeolithic sites in Ukraine such as Molodovo I, V, Velykyi Hlybochok, Pronyatyn, Ihrovytsia, Halych and others are associated with the loess-palaeosol sequences of the Volhyn-Podolian Upland , Ivanova, Tseitlin (ed) 1987, Łanczont et al. 2014a, 2014b, 2015. ...
... Many world-famous Palaeolithic sites in Ukraine such as Molodovo I, V, Velykyi Hlybochok, Pronyatyn, Ihrovytsia, Halych and others are associated with the loess-palaeosol sequences of the Volhyn-Podolian Upland , Ivanova, Tseitlin (ed) 1987, Łanczont et al. 2014a, 2014b, 2015. ...
Ornamental and construction stones are an intrinsic part of certain natural and cultural heritage (Brocx
and Semeniuk, 2019). Studies to characterise their features and sources or their conservation are
essential in order to undertake actions for their conservation and/or the restoration of emblematic
buildings (Pereira y Marker, 2015). Moreover, to attribute unique identities to these rocks, particularly,
to the ones considered geoheritage, is a priority for the International Union of Geological Sciences
(IUGS) (Pereira y Marker, 2016). One of the most outstanding aspects of ornamental stones is their
colour. Numerous intrinsic factors as well as external processes determine this physical parameter. Some
of them are the nature of the sculpting, its external finishing and various weathering or pollution
processes (Damas Mollá et al., 2018). There are several studies about the colour of the ornamental stones
due to accelerated ageing processes (Grossi and Benavente, 2016) but there are still scarce studies
focused on the origin of their colour.
Santimamiñe limestone Unit (Late Cretaceous shallow marine micritic limestone with abundant rudists,
Chondrodonta sp. and corals), have been historically exploited for ornamental purposes and traded as
Red Ereño from the Roman times (1st century) to the end of the 20th century. During this period, humans
extracted the red limestone from small to medium sized quarries situated at Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve
(Biscay, Spain) (Fig.1a). The principal of them is the Kantera Gorria geosite, inventoried at national
and local scale (geosite PV015, IELIG-Spanish Geological Survey; geosite 15, Basque Autonomous
Community inventory; geosite 35, Urdaibai BR inventory). Furthermore, we can say that Red Ereño
generated an international commercial activity because in addition to being present in many buildings
in Spain, it is also found in other globally known buildings such as San Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican
(Italy) (Fig. 1b) (Damas Mollá et al, 2021). The presence of abundant white-coloured fossils (mainly
rudists) embedded in an intense pigmented red matrix gives to this rock its ornamental character (Fig.
1b) (Damas Mollá et al., 2021). However, in the quarry its matrix shows a variable colour ranging from
intense red to rose-coloured or even grey. Locally, the red colour is concentrated on stiylioliths or limited
to them.Mineralogical studies have been carried out on 18 samples of the red rock based on X-ray
diffraction, observations on scanning electron microscope (SEM) and semi-quantitative analysis done
by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. As a result, the presence of haematite minerals in the micritic
matrix of the red rock is observed (Fig. 1c). However, despite the intense red colour of the initial
samples, surprisingly, only three of the analysed samples presented enough haematite content to be
detected (mean value <1%). Moreover, a characterisation of the magnetic mineralogy of the red rock by
using different rock magnetic techniques: 1. Alternating field demagnetization of natural remanent
magnetization (NRM), 2. Thermal demagnetization of the NRM. 3. Progressive acquisition of
isothermal remanent magnetisation (IRM). 4. Thermal demagnetization of three orthogonal IRM
components. 5. hysteresis loops. 6. Thermomagnetic curves. These experiments have shown that the
main ferromagnetic (s.l.) mineral present in red samples is hematite, while magnetite dominates in grey
samples. As an example, the thermomagnetic curves in figure 1d are presented, the red heating curve in
red matrix samples shows a sharp drop at 680°C, which is indicative of the presence of haematite. In the
case of grey matrix samples outside the mineralised band, the drop is recorded at the Curie 580ºC,
consistent with the magnetite Curie temperature (Fig. 1d). We also investigated the magnetic mineralogy
of the rudist shells that indicates their diamagnetic character. Therefore, petrological and geochemical
X International Online ProGEO Symposium, Spain, 7-10th June, 2021
256
characterisation of the fossil bivalve shells (rudists and Chondrodonta sp.), indicates that their
microstructure was shielded by early diagenetic processes from the influx of iron-bearing diagenetic
fluids that reddened the matrix. (Fig.1b). The high iron concentration in the pressure solution areas of
stiylioliths of the matrix also evidenced this process. Moreover, the characteristic paleomagnetic
direction carried by hematite in the red limestones does not fit with the Aptian-Albian expected
directions (the period when the limestones were formed) nor after nor before tectonic correction,
indicating a secondary chemical magnetization (Villalaín et al., 2003). All these data agree with the
diagenetic origin of the mineralisation (epigenetic haematite). In sum, it can be stated that its entrance
in the system occurred prior to the Alpine orogeny when the tilting of the sedimentary succession had
occurred and the microstructure of fossil shells were already closed by diagenetic processes but the
compaction efforts that gave rise to the stylolites were not over. In other words, the iron input occurred
during an intermediate diagenesis stage (Damas Mollá, 2011).
The communication here presented explains the origin and nature of the colour of this ornamental stone
and highlights its importance as natural and cultural geoheritage. In addition, it can serve as a starting
point to arrange studies about its response under different weathering conditions and the possibilities for
building restoration.
... New data on the almost complete structure of the Horokhiv palaeosol complex (MIS 5: a, b, c, d (?), e) in the excavation pit 6 of the Proniatyn site [33] and in the profile of the Mariampil I site (see Figure 4) [2] were obtained during our research. Also, the almost in situ Korshiv palaeosol complex (MIS 7) containing Middle Palaeolithic cultural layer on the Velykyi Hlybochok site [34] was discovered. All of this brings us closer to solving the problems of redeposition of cultural horizons because it allowed detailing its age. ...
The article presents the results of the Palaeolithic loess sites studies in the Halych-Dnister region. It is an area in the Dnister River basin (Ukraine) with a large number of Middle and Upper Palaeolithic sites (Yezupil I, Halych I, Halych II, Mariampil I, Mariampil V, Mezhyhirtsi, Kolodiiv, Hannusivka, etc.), which have been discovered and studied including multilayered ones. It is open-air Palaeolithic sites related to widespread distribution in the region Pleistocene loess-palaeosol sequence reaching up to 30 m thickness, sometimes even more. Palaeolithic sites have been investigated using various field and laboratory archaeological and natural science research methods. Defined cultural horizons of the sites are stratified and dated by luminescent and radiocarbon methods, and their cultural identity is characterized. In the Halych-Dnister region, the most developed are the Middle Palaeolithic (Levallois, Micoquian) cultural horizons as well as the Gravettian techno-complexes of the Upper Palaeolithic. During our research, some scientific problems have been identified in studying the Palaeolithic sites of Halych-Dnister region. They are described in the article. As our practice has shown, issues such as the interpretation of the taphonomy and chronology of archaeological artefacts, the determination of the cultural identity of the archaeological site or particular cultural horizons, the underestimation of the redeposition of cultural layers, the role of palaeorelief and the deluvial-solifluction processes in it, the incompleteness of geological sections of archaeological sites are often debatable among researchers. In the light of the increasing anthropogenic impact on the environment, the issue of rationale, certification and protection of Palaeolithic sites is becoming more urgent. The main purpose of the article is to analyse these issues and find ways to resolve them.
... В рамках украино-польского проекта проводились исследования, направленные на получение серии абсолютных датировок. Известные в этом районе среднепалеолитические памятники хронологически разделялись на несколько этапов: позднеашельский (Великий Глыбочок I, слой III, Буглив V, слой I), развитый мустьерский (Пронятин; Езуполь I; Колодиив; Буглив V, слой II; Великий Глыбочок I, слой III-А; Касперовцы I, VII) и финальномустьерский (Игровица, слой II; Бережани V; Пилипче XI, VII) (Ситник, 2000Sytnyk, 2015;Łanczont et al., 2014a, 2014b. ...
... Catena is the sequence of soils that developed from similar parent material under similar climatic conditions along a slope, and soil variability in a catena mostly depends on relief and relief-related environmental features such as relative height, slope angle, and water circulation, which influence soilforming processes [1]. The red colors of the soils is due to hematite has greater pigment effect than other iron oxides and the pigment effect of iron oxides is particularly high when it occurs in a finely dispersed form [2]. Weak weathering or pedogenetic processes causes weakly developed soil horizon, with traces of gleying, is stratified, disturbed by cryoturbation, and contains up to 18% carbonates and about 1.8% iron oxides [3]. The clay illuviation process shown as Bt horizon mainly in the summit positions. ...
Two locations selected in Erbil province, Northern Iraq. Three pedons were dug in each location on catena and twenty-three soil samples were collected for determine physical and chemical propertie. Increasing iron oxide causes coating of clay particles and decreasing the specific surface area in turn decreasing the ability of soils for adsorbing cations on it surfaces that causes decrease of cations concentration and cation exchange capacity. Conversely, high percentage of iron oxides that is act as cementing agent of soil particles and changing their sizes expectedly, in this way increase sand particles more than silt and clay particles. Total free iron oxides irregularly distributed and vibrated between increasing and decreasing. Generally, total iron oxides percent was relatively increased towards down of catena and highly related with parent material, topography, climate and vegetation cover additionally, related with the following soil forming processes, leaching, weathering, erosion, eluviations and illuviation. Increase iron oxides in study soils indicated to, increase soil development. Results of active ratio indicated to, soil development was increased towards down slope of catena. The objectives of this paper are study the soil characteristics and development of the pedons on catena and study the pathway of iron oxides distribution in pedons on catena.
... Major questions that require further research concern the temporal and spatial development of such embryonic soils (Labaz et al., 2018) and their regional representation in pedostratigraphic terms (B abek et al., 2011;Gocke et al., 2014;Łanczont et al., 2014). Lateral changes in geological and geomorphological characteristics Antoine et al., 2013;Kadereit et al., 2013;Meszner et al., 2013;Terhorst et al., 2014;Vandenberghe et al., 1998Vandenberghe et al., , 2014Lehmkuhl et al., 2016;Fischer et al., 2018), or local to regional periodic shifts in hydroclimate conditions (Bokhorst et al., 2011;Buggle et al., 2013;Hatt e et al., 2013;Sima et al., 2013;Zech et al., 2013;Ho sek et al., 2015;Obreht et al., 2016Obreht et al., , 2017 further complicate the validity of regional pedostratigraphic relationships (see Markovi c et al., 2015 and references therein). ...
Here we provide a robust luminescence chronology for Stayky (Ukraine), a reference profile in European Late Pleistocene loess stratigraphy, based on optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating on quartz (4 e11 mm, 63e90 mm) and post infrared-infrared stimulated luminescence (pIR-IRSL)) on polymineral fine grains. For the Bug loess unit, the equivalent of Marine Isotope Stage (MIS 2), results are in agreement between methods, demonstrating that the suite of embryonic soils previously interpreted as reflecting climate variability similar to Greenland interstadials (GI) actually date to ~29/27-15 ka, with most emplaced around or after 20 ka. This temporal span is further confirmed by age-depth modelling of available data. Apart from GI-2, no interstadial-type climate events are recorded in Greenland ice core data for that time interval. As short-term pedogenetic phases are also documented in records from central-western Europe, there is a need for more research into the European mid-latitude terrestrial environments response to MIS 2 hydroclimate variability. The dating of Vytachiv paleosol, previously debatably linked to various GI events within MIS 3 resulted in ages of ~40 ± 4 ka and ~53 ± 4 ka at the lower transition, and ~26 ± 2 ka to ~30 ± 2 ka in the overlying loess. These ages indicate that the truncated Vytachiv paleosol is either not continuous, or that it encompasses a broader age range within MIS 3 than previously considered. In both cases, data would not allow for an unambiguous linking of this paleosol with specific GI events as previously attempted. The pIR-IRSL 290 dating of the loams immediately underneath Pryluky unit in the range of ~120 ka to ~168 ka and of the Pryluky mollisol from ~90 ka to 126 ka confirm the broad correspondence of this unit with MIS 5, although poor dose recovery results open the possibility for further testing on the degree these ages provide overestimated results. Quartz data severely underestimate the pIR-IRSL 290 ages for these samples. The application of pIR-IRSL 290 dating for the underlying Dnieper till previously linked to the Saalian glaciation resulted in natural signals at the level of laboratory saturation, yielding minimum ages of c. 700 ka. For the same sample, the natural SAR-OSL signals for 4e11 mm quartz were found significantly below laboratory saturation level, resulting in finite ages of ~250e270 ka interpreted here as underestimates, while coarse quartz (63e90 mm) signals reached about 85% of the laboratory saturation level. These data suggest extreme caution must be taken when dating such old samples using quartz OSL. Results from our high-resolution luminescence dating raises important implications for the chronological representativeness of Stayky as a key loess site in Eastern Europe beyond MIS 2.
The article is devoted to the analysis of the problem of preservation and protection of paleogeographic monuments of the Quaternary period under the conditions of the large-scale Russian-Ukrainian war. In the context of the available information, the influence of the military conflict on certain key areas of Ukraine’s territory is outlined, where the most famous paleogeographic monuments of Quaternary sediments are found in the form of subaerial and subaquatic facies, reflecting the history and peculiarities of the development of natural conditions in the past. Damage, destruction, or loss of anthropogenic paleogeographic geosites in Ukraine poses a serious threat, as these processes lead to an irretrievable loss of unique scientific information about the historical development of the natural environment not only within Ukraine but also on a global scale. These geosites contain crucial data on climate change, ecosystems, and landscapes from past geological epochs, offering deep insights into the planet’s evolution and the adaptation of ecosystems to climatic shifts. Thus, their loss would mean the destruction of irreplaceable evidence essential for scientific research and for making future predictions. To preserve this valuable resource, it is necessary to systematize, generalize, and unify all existing data on paleogeographic heritage sites that are under threat of destruction or at risk of being lost. This involves creating a unified information framework that would include the registration and monitoring of such sites at the national level, along with the use of modern technologies for collecting, storing, and processing information about them. Additionally, for the effective protection of quaternary paleogeographic geosites in Ukraine, it is essential to actively promote public awareness of their scientific and cultural significance. A significant step in this direction would be the creation of a single register of such geosites, allowing them to be integrated with other elements of Ukraine’s historical and cultural heritage, as well as ensuring state-level registration. This would enhance the legal protection of these sites, ensuring their proper preservation and utilization for scientific and educational purposes, thus safeguarding valuable evidence of Ukraine’s and the planet’s natural development for future generations.
In this paper we present results of researches performed on Paleolithic sites preserved within areas adjacent to the Romanian Carpathians (Moldavia, Dobrogea, Danube Plain, Banat, Oaş) and whose chronostratigraphic assignment was problematic. This research is part of the Franco-Romanian archaeological mission carried out between 2003 and 2015. Most of our research has been carried out on Paleolithic sites preserved within loessic deposits or loamy deposits interstratified with loess of Middle and Upper Pleistocene age.
Background. The current state and problems in the study of the Brunhes chron geomagnetic excursions have been discussed in the part 1. In particular, Laschamp (41 thousand years ago), Blake (114 thousand years ago), Iceland Basin (188 thousand years ago) excursions are considered as the most reliable geomagnetic events. The second part of the article provides a detailed overview of the application of the Brunhes chron geomagnetic excursions in the correlation of subaerial deposits of the Pleistocene, in particular loess-palaeosol sequences of Ukraine and nearby European countries.
Methods. Studies of loess-palaeosol deposits were carried out by paleomagnetic and rock magnetic methods. The calculation of the characteristic component of magnetization was performed by statistical methods of spherical data.
Results. New results of the study of the Roksolany loess-soil section, which supplement the previous magnetostratigraphic scale, are presented. In the section, an excursion of reversed polarity at the level of the Lower Zavadivka pedocomplex (S4; correlative of MIS 11) has been revealed, which, in our interpretation, corresponds to the Unnamed event of 430 thousand years ago, described earlier in the Vyazivok and Medzhybizh loess sections. Recent studies of the impact of excursions on environmental changes, for instance, on palaeoecological and climatic changes during the Last Glacial Period, are discussed.
Conclusions. Unnamed (430,000 years ago) and Big Lost (540,000 years ago) excursions have been manifested in resent studies of the loess-palaeosol sequences of Ukraine. The absence of other well-documented excursions in Upper Pleistocene loess-soil deposits can be explained by sampling gaps, stratigraphic hiatuses in sediment accumulation, peculiarities of the paleomagnetic "records" and the insufficient study of the magnetic mineralogy of these deposits. The impact of geomagnetic field inversions and excursions on environmental changes is a debatable issue that requires further research, especially in terms of mechanisms of such effects. Since many researchers emphasize the role of atmospheric ozone in climate and environmental changes, the mechanism proposed in (Kilifarska, Bakhmutov, & Melnyk, 2020) may explain the relationship of geomagnetic field and climate changes.
The loess-palaeosol sequences of Ukraine and Moldova contain one of the longest and most complete terrestrial records of Pleistocene climate change in Europe. Magnetostratigraphic studies provide a first-order chronological framework for loess sequences. The literature on loess magnetostratigraphy by Ukrainian authors from the 1960s to present is vast; however, it is rather inaccessible to international readers. In this review, we summarize historical stages of the magnetostratigraphic studies in Ukraine and Moldova, and present recent developments in loess magnetic stratigraphy, including pedostratigraphy based on magnetic susceptibility variations. We highlight recent progress in the determination of the Matuyama–Brunhes boundary in the Ukrainian loess and discuss future prospects for studies of loess magnetism. In particular, mismatches between the positions of palaeomagnetic reversal boundaries (e.g., the Matuyama–Brunhes boundary, the Gauss–Matuyama boundary) and the corresponding pedostratigraphy are discussed in detail.
У збірник наукових праць включені тексти доповідей з широкого спектру теоретичних і прикладних питань географічної освіти, науки і практики, які виголошено на міжнародній науково-практичній конференції, присвяченій 140-річчю географії у Львівському університеті. Серед авторів збірника науковці України, Великої Британії, Франції, Німеччини, Швеції, Польщі, Словаччини і Литви.
Географічна освіта і наука: виклики і поступ: матеріали міжнародної науково-практичної конференції, присвяченої 140-річчю географії у Львівському університеті (м. Львів, 18–20 травня 2023 р.) / відповід. редактори: В. Біланюк, Є. Іванов. У 3-ох томах. Львів: Простір-М, 2023. Том 2. 280 с.
This paper discusses the problems associated with determining the chronology of Palaeolithic settlements in the Podillian region and presents possible solutions to this issue, based on studies of the natural environment in two Palaeolithic centres: Buhliv and Ternopil (BPC and TPC, respectively). Problems arise from the local stratigraphic diversity of the loess-palaeosol sequences containing layers with artefacts, and their multiple redepositions result from periglacial processes. Very often, traces of ancient settlements are disturbed by continuous and/or discontinuous palaeocryogenic deformations. Consequently, it is rare to obtain Palaeolithic data in situ. In contrast, artefacts found without redeposition often lie within or on the surfaces of fossil soils. The main research materials were obtained at the early Palaeolithic site in Buhliv, whose geological profiles are incomplete. The complementary data necessary for the reconstruction of the palaeogeographical time of Palaeolithic settlements associated with cultural layers were obtained in our previous studies using multiple tools, together with luminescence dating of sediments located in close and distant proximity to the BPC, as well as in loess sites located in the TPC, especially Velykyi Glybochok.
Our findings indicate that the early Middle Palaeolithic artefacts at the Buhliv site formed two stratigraphically inverted horizons, with the younger artefacts lying beneath the older ones following redeposition. The inventory of the older layers represents the oldest Podillian settlement phase. Similar materials were found in the TPC in older soil of MIS 7. The inventory of the younger layer occurred during the younger soil-forming stage of MIS 7. The disturbance and burial of both early Middle Palaeolithic settlement traces were caused by intensive slope processes that occurred in the early MIS 6.
Bakhmutov and Hlavatskyi (2022) (BH) in their comment on our paper (Łanczont et al., 2022) focus on issue of the magnetostratigraphy of the whole loess-palaeosol sequence at Roxolany. However, we analysed only the formation conditions of the upper part of this sequence, which we believe to be of the Late Pleistocene. Its exceptionally large thickness is a very local phenomenon and we consider this site as an interesting case study, atypical for other areas of Ukraine and south-eastern Europe. In our paper, we described the formation of the loess cover in a close location in relation to the palaeorelief of the region referring to the Black Sea level oscillation. Unfortunately, BH do not address our multi-directional interpretation of the S2-L2-S1-L1-S0 sequence based on the multi-proxy results. They only refer to stratigraphic background outlined very briefly in the introduction. This outline was necessary before the discussion our main research topic. BH noted that our stratigraphy did not take into account their latest published data regarding magnetostratigraphy and magnetic susceptibility, and in particular, the position of the Matuyama/Brunhes boundary. However, their magnetostratigraphic interpretation of this profile is questionable due to the lack of analysis of the magnetic carriers while detecting their differentiation during the demagnetization process.
The new section at Smykiv in the Volyn Upland has an informative strati-graphic record, showing details of climatic phases in the Late Pleistocene. The site is located in the Rivne Oblast, 40 km south of Lutsk, on slope of the River Dezha (the tributary of the River Styr). The section has been studied using lithostratigraphic, palaeopedological, palaeocryological, grain size, micromorphological and partial chemical methods, which enable the reconstruction of past cli-mate and environment. The stratigraphy is applied follows the Quaternary Framework of Ukraine (Veklitch et al., 1993). All the stratigraphical units of the Upper Pleistocene are represented in the section; and, herein, these divided into smaller parts characterized by distinct environmental histories.
Findings of Cenomanian cephalopods in new location of Murovani Kurylivtsi, Vinnytsia region (south-eastern Volyn`-Podillia)
An attempt to analyze briefly chronological, territorial and cultural analogies for the lower (IV and III) cultural horizons of multilayered site Kulychivka in Kremenets, Ternopil region is made at the article. Attention is focused on the sites of period of transition from Middle to Upper Paleolithic (further MP-UP transition), which are close to materials of Kulychivka in technical, topological or territorial-chronological aspects. Synchronous industries from the adjacent regions are considered: Dnister River basin, Volhynia, Podillya, Trans-Carpathians, as well as more distant territories – Dnipro River basin, Donbas, Crimean peninsula, Kostyonky-Borshchiv Paleolithic centers. However, the closest analogy for materials from lower layers of Kulychivka is seen by the authors in sites of Bohunice industry (Czech Republic), or more widely, in Emiran–Bohunice complex, spread from Near East to Siberia and Northern China. Not only the common features in the technique of producing of tools, but also planigraphic features of location and proximity to sources of high-quality raw materials (Volhynian flint in the case of Kulychivka) are united those sites. Existing technical and typological interpretations of the lower layers of the site, made by V. Savych, V. Stepanchuk and V. Kohen, M. Anikovich, L. Meignan, J.-M. Geneste, L. Kulakovska and O. Sytnyk are also analysed at the article. Considering the genesis of Paleolithic settlements in Kulychivka during MP-UP transition, the authors support hypothesis of migration link with Central European region, although further investigation is needed to clarify the direction and nature of this connection. There are also some features of industry of the site (presence of atypical or defective products, quantitative predominance of production refuse over the final product, the long-term preservation of “archaic” elements in collections), which could be influenced by availability of close situated and easily accessible sources of stone raw materials. These features also allow considering Paleolithic cultural layers of Kulychivka as remains of prehistoric workshop, probably of multiphase, seasonal settlement. Key words: Kulychivka, Early Upper Paleolithic, transition from Middle to Upper Paleolithic, flint artifacts, Bohunice.
The general lithologic and micromorphological descriptions of korshiv fossil soil complex of Halych 2D key section were conducted. The features of formation of differentiated genetic profile based on the analysis of main features of microstructure of korshiv soil complex were revealed. Interpretation of natural conditions of the formation of korshiv fossil soil complex during the Pleistocene was performed. The reasons which suggest the forest and forest steppe conditions of the formation of korshiv soils of the first and second phases were analyzed. Key words: micromorphological structure, shlif, soil horizon, fossil soil, loess.
Since the allocation of the Buhliv beds of V.D. Laskarev
in 1897 [4] the issues of volume, age, stratigraphic
position, distribution, facies differences and
their use as a stratum in general remain discussion
and not fully resolved [1]. They are widespread
not only in Western Ukraine (Central Paratethys),
their analogs are known beyond its limits – Europe
(Central and Western Paratethys), Southern
Ukraine, Moldova, Transcaucasia, Turkmenistan,
etc. (Eastern Paratethys). Long time they were
subject to active discussion in works of domestic
and foreign researchers that caused carrying out
the All-Union colloquium [1] and decision-making
on Buhliv beds in due time. At the present stage of
representation of scientists form two points of view
concerning understanding of volume and age of
these beds. According to views of most of authors
[1–5, etc.] Buhliv beds cover several lithologic horizons
on volume and are dated the Early Sarmatian.
On representations of others [1, 6, etc.] the
volume of this stratum is reduced to one horizon
and its age is determined as end of the Late Tortonian
(Badenian). In the stratigraphical schemes
their situation and volume too debatable has also
no uniform idea at geologists [2, 7, etc.]. According
to one, they either correspond to bottoms of the
Lower Sarmatian, or tops of the Upper Badenian,
according to others – include tops of the Upper
Tortonian (Badenian) and Lower Sarmatian. Contact
with the spreading educations discordant. The
discussing of views is caused by existence in the
Buhliv beds of the mixed different-age complexes
of fossils of the Badenian-Sarmatian, as complicated
their dating.
The general lithologic and micromorphological descriptions of korshiv fossil soil complex of
Halych 2D key section were conducted. The features of formation of differentiated genetic profile based
on the analysis of main features of microstructure of korshiv soil complex were revealed. Interpretation
of natural conditions of the formation of korshiv fossil soil complex during the Pleistocene was
performed. The reasons which suggest the forest and forest steppe conditions of the formation of
korshiv soils of the first and second phases were analyzed.
The main research task was to explain the location of the Kraków Spadzista Gravettian site, based on the analyses of land relief and deposit lithology in the surroundings. Field geological (drilling and pit) investigations, geoelectric recognition, tachimetric geomorphological measurements, and geospatial analysis (GIS) were carried out in the site and its immediate vicinity. These investigations were supplemented with the IRSL dating of the cultural layer deposits, palaeosols, and loess. The obtained results indicate that the site was located in a depression of the karstified substratum (Jurassic limestones) filled with clay (Miocene) and loess (Pleistocene). Based on the results of geological and geophysical investigations, we reconstructed the palaeoform parameters, characterized its infilling, and documented spatial lithological variability of the deposits and the cultural layer. Gravettian material was discovered in two partially destroyed palaeosols. The lower one is a denuded initial interstadial soil, and the upper one is a complex solifluction cover composed of redeposited material, probably from a younger interstadial soil. Both units represent the younger part of the Interpleniglacial. The upper soil is buried by the continuous youngest loess layer, which covers the area of the archaeological site, completely covering the older relief.
The eastern part of the Sowiniec horst, where the site's complex is situated, had a number of features useful for Palaeolithic settlement. It is a clearly distinguishable promontory, difficult to access almost from all sides. At the same time, it provided a good view for hunters, especially towards the Rudawa River valley. Features of mesoclimate, conditioned by relief, favoured the settlement.
The stratigraphic rank of warming, distinguished in marine deposits as ‘marine oxygen isotope stage 7’ (MOIS 7) and recorded in terrestrial deposits as a palaeosol, has been discussed for a long time. The purpose of this paper is to describe the climate and environment of the time, determined from palaeopedological and palynological investigations of loess-palaeosol sequences in the peri- and metha-Carpathian zones, and to correlate these sequences with the Pleistocene stratigraphic units. The changes in chemical composition of the deposits were used to reconstruct the processes of chemical weathering and translocation of mobile elements during pedogenesis in three sections (Orzechowce, Galych and Velykyi Glybochok). The variability of the mean annual temperature and precipitation was estimated from the changes of elemental ratios resulting from chemical weathering and vegetation composition. From micromorphological analysis, the stages of palaeosol development and their transformation in cold periods were reconstructed. Pollen analysis carried out for the Velykyi Glyboczok, Maksymivka and Stari Kodaky sites, was used to reconstruct the vegetation cover and the temperature changes of the coldest and warmest months were calculated. The results indicate that the penultimate interglacial period, correlated with MOIS 7, comprised two warming periods separated by a profound cooling period. Warm periods were cooler than the last interglacial and more recent conditions. Vegetation was characterized by the co-occurrence in changing proportions of patches of mixed forests and steppe vegetation. In the cold period, permafrost developed in places and cryogenic structures were formed. Regional differentiation of biotope environments, resulting from the increase in the continental nature of the climate towards the east, occurred during the whole interglacial period.
Abstract:
The Biśnik Cave is situated in the limestone rock, 6 m above the bottom of the currently dry Wodąca valley. It is located in the Smoleń –Niegowonice Range, in the southern part of the Częstochowa Upland (Poland). Stratigraphic sequence, which encompasses middle and upper Pleistocene sediments is of unique character in Central Europe. It enabled the reconstruction of changes occurring in the Middle Palaeolithic on the territory of the Polish Jura.
The work presents Middle Palaeolithic cultural levels at the Biśnik Cave in the context of spatial analysis of the site’s utility zones, with regard to hearths in particular phases of the cave inhabitation. The results were linked with typological and use wear analysis of separate assemblages of artefacts with regard to the latest research. Microstratigraphic analysis proved a far more complex character of settlement processes, especially with reference to older cultural horizons (A6-A5). Several sub-levels have been distinguished, i.e. phases of the cave inhabitation in each layer. It was possible to indicate tendencies in the location of hearths in “cool” and “warm” layers, as well as pointto a steady tendency, i.e. the shift of the site’s utility space towards the entrance of the cave. It was possible to characterise the technology and typology of assemblages found in particular layers and provide the description of their cultural character against the background of other Middle Palaeolithic sites in central-eastern Europe.
The Late Badenian coralline algae-vermetid reefs and the early Sarmatian serpulid-microbialite reefs distributed widely in the northeastern and eastern borders of the Carpathian Foredeep Basin contain an excellent bivalve record and show how the bivalve faunas reflected the temporary closure of seaways between the Paratethys and the Mediterranean around 13.3 Ma. within the Late Badenian reefs, 116 bivalve species and three bivalve associations are recognized. After a dramatic change of environmental factors, the early Sarmatian reefs hosted 12 bivalve species, grouped in four associations. these are thought to have been controlled largely by salinity and to represent decreased and/or fluctuating salinity regimes. An integrated approach, using benthic fauna, sedimentological and isotope data, enabled interpretation of the origin of the serpulid-microbialite reefs. The changes in the palaeogeography of the Paratethys and sea-level oscillations around the Badenian/Sarmatian boundary played an important ro
The Upper Pleistocene loess-palaeosol sequence from the Kolodiiv section (East Carpathian Foreland) has been palaeomagnetically studied. Almost all samples displayed moderate to high positive palaeomagnetic inclinations and declinations enclosed between 320° and 40°. However, one sample from the fossil soil of the last interglacial pedocomplex (at 16.6 m profile depth) was reverse magnetized and therefore can be correlated with the Blake Palaeomagnetic Event. Consequently that palaeosol can be related to (Oxygen Isotope Stage) OIS 5e1. Another sample from the Dubno 1 interstadial palaeosol demonstrated southern declination and significant lowering of inclination (up to 40°). This might be a record of the Laschamp Palaeomagnetic Event or of any Late Pleistocene palaeomagnetic excursion. The magnetic susceptibility and anhysteretic remanent magnetization data reflect the presence of several soils forming during the warm conditions of OIS 5 and the complex nature of the Eemian warming. Two palaeosols that developed between ca.115 ka and 120 ka indicate at least two climatic optima during the Eemian. High values of magnetic susceptibility (up to 300 ´ 10-6 SI units) noted in the middle of the section that contains slump deposits (9.5 m to 11m of depth) suggest that this material was derived from older soils of interglacial type.
Biśnik Cave is a multi-layer site, which contains one of the oldest Paleolithic settlement levels in Poland. The character of the oldest inventory from the cave is depicted by the domination of the Levallois technique for obtaining flakes and blades. The tools included: forms with one side preparation technique connected with different types of side scrapers and small side scrapers, denticulate and niche forms. Bifacial artifacts are absent. Because of a small number of the inventory, we can only conclude that it is a typological collection of artifacts characteristic of the Mousterian tradition, broadly speaking. The oldest assemblages were found in layers 19a, 19b, 19c and 19d. Sedimentological analysis show that the whole of layers 19b-19c-19d should be treated as a deluvial sediment resulting from the series of several mudslides. The same interpretation could be concluded on the basis of geochemical data acquired for bone remains. Flint objects found in layer 19a are the oldest artifacts in the position in situ. The date obtained for the layer 19a (230 ± 51 ka) lets us determine the approximate age of the sediment and artifacts, which is oxygen isotope stage OIS 7. All of the older artifacts found in layers 19d and 19b-19c are located on the secondary deposit. The TL date obtained for the sediment of one of the deluvial layers (569 ± 182 ka), as well as the date obtained for the burned flint tool (568 ± 131 ka) point to the early Middle Pleistocene age of at least some of the redeposited sediments and artifacts.
The precipitation of calcium carbonate is common in soils and regoliths, especially in soils of arid environments. The precipitation and the accumulation of calcium carbonate in soils and regoliths are very complex phenomena. As they are linked to the interaction between the lithosphere, the biosphere, and the atmosphere, pedogenic carbonates may be important proxies of paleoenvironmental changes. The study of the morphological expression and hierarchical organisation of calcitic pedofeatures in thin sections allows us to partially decipher the climatic, geochemical, and biological influences on the precipitation of carbonates in soils. With the contribution of submicroscopic techniques (e.g., SEM), progress has been made in the understanding of the relation between the biological activity and the precipitation of carbonate, and many calcitic features seem to be linked to biological processes, in a direct or indirect manner. The carbonates may represent a highly active phase, undergoing intense transformation such as recrystallisation, dissolution, and secondary carbonate precipitation.
The age of most Lower Austria loess deposits is unknown; this is especially true for Middle Pleistocene loess because there is no generally applicable dating method available. Recently it has been shown that infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) signals measured at elevated temperatures after an infrared (IR) stimulation are more stable than the standard IRSL signal measured at 50°C. These signals offer new opportunities to extend the datable age range by minimising or circumventing the undesirable anomalous fading correction. In this study we apply, for the first time, two post-IR IRSL single-aliquot regenerative (SAR) dating protocols to polymineral fine-grain samples from three loess/palaeosol sequences in Lower Austria. The luminescence characteristics and ages derived from these protocols are compared with the IRSL results obtained at 50°C. Recycling ratios, recuperation and dose recovery tests show that these protocols are applicable to the loess under investigation. Fading rates for the post-IR IRSL signals are significantly smaller than for the IRSL at 50°C; the differences in fading rates between post-IR IRSL at 225°C and post-IR IRSL at 290°C are less obvious. Significant fading corrections are needed for the ages derived from the IRSL signal at 50°C. From our study we conclude that the fading corrected post-IR IRSL at 225°C and the fading uncorrected post-IR IRSL at 290°C provide the best age estimates; we prefer the latter because no fading correction is apparently needed. Our data strongly suggest that the pedocomplex ‘Paudorfer Bodenbildung’ developed during marine isotope stage (MIS) 5, whereas the pedocomplex ‘Göttweiger Verlehmungszone’ is significantly older (≥ 350 ka) than has been suggested in former studies.
The loess site at Boynychi (the Volyn Upland) is of essential importance for the stratigraphy of Middle and Upper Pleistocene in Central Europe. The profile was recently dated by Fedorowicz and Prylypko in 2007 (parallel dating), and by Kusiak in 2009. The Upper Vistulian loesses are much thicker in the exposure from 2009 than in the earlier examined one (2007). The list of results obtained in the Gdańsk, Kiev and Lublin laboratories, respectively, can be divided in two. The first group contains the results obtained for the Horohiv and Korshiv pedocomplexes and for the loess from the penultimate glacial, which separates these pedocomplexes. The results from all laboratories are very similar and rather well describe the real age of dated deposits. The second group contains the widely differing results of dating of the Vistulian loesses. The TL ages obtained by Fedorowicz and Prylypko are considerably older than those obtained by Kusiak in the new exposure. The latter ones excellently correspond to the geologic-stratigraphic interpretation of the profile. Two incompatible series of TL dating results indicate that local variability of loess accumulation conditions in different stages of their formation may have resulted in incomplete luminescence zeroing of mineral material before deposition.
718 samples from five loess-paleosol sections located in the Black Sea region, the western Ukraine and Poland (Lublin Upland) were the subject of a paleomagnetic and petromagnetic study. Strong magnetic enhancement is observed in the cambisols, chernozems and iluvial horizons of the forest (podzolic) and leached brown type (brownerde) soils. Distinct magnetic depletion or dilution occurs in the gley soils and the leached horizons of podsols and brown type soils. Magnetic enhancement in the section from Black Sea region was not simply dependent on paleotemperature. Soils from the interstadial periods could be magnetically enhanced to the same degree as soils which were formed during interglacials. In the Polish and Ukrainian loess-palesol sequences, paleorainfall could be a significant factor controlling the susceptibility signal in addition to paleotemperature. The degree of warming of paleoclimate can be expressed by the amount of secondary maghemite that was formed in the studied paleosols.All sections were deposited after the Brunhes/Matuyama paleomagnetic reversal. No remarkable paleomagnetic event was encountered. However, very distinct directional changes associated most probably with the secular variations were observed in the Polish and western Ukrainian sections. These changes can serve as a stratigraphic correlation tool for comparison with petromagnetic data.
Pollen analysis was done on loess–palaeosol sequences situated to the north of the Carpathians and Sudetes, in the belt characterized by stronger influence of oceanic climate in the West and continental climate in the East. This fact conditioned the occurrence of loess as isolated patches in the West and thick continuous covers in the East, as well as the diversity of natural vegetation cover from deciduous forests and mixed coniferous forests, through forest-steppe to steppe zone. Three loess sites were examined in Poland (Biały Kościół, Tarnawce, Polanów Samborzecki), and three in Ukraine (Yezupil, Velyka Andrusivka, Stari Kodaky). Local pollen zones, distinguished in each site, were correlated in order to define the phases of vegetation development from the end of the penultimate glacial, through the Eemian Interglacial to the end of the Vistulian. The obtained picture of vegetation changes supplements the analysis results of organogenic deposits with the description of flora in cold periods when aeolian deposition occurred.In the area under study, the common features of vegetation development were conditioned by a general trend of climatic changes during the last interglacial–glacial cycle. They overlapped with the vegetation changes, expressed by the eastward rising proportion of open landscape elements, which resulted from the increasing continentality of climate. The proportion of trees and shrubs in plant communities during interstadials was also influenced by the proximity of refuges occurring in the Carpathians and Sudetes, and the situation of the examined profiles in river valleys, which were also natural refuges. Other differences in vegetation composition between individual sites resulted from their different meso- and micro-palaeomorphologic situation.
The micromorphological characteristics of a continuous set of block samples from 24–38 m depth in a well section on Jiuzhoutai Mountain, Lanzhou, China, are described. The shape of the magnetic susceptibility curve, together with previously published radiocarbon, luminescence and geomagnetic dates, indicates that this sample set encompasses the whole of the last interglacial (S1) palaeosol complex, and extends into the overlying and underlying loess (L1 and L2) units. Seven pedosedimentary units are recognised on the basis of trends in the bulk properties and the key micromorphological indicators (excrements, textural concentrations, shell fragments, and calcite and gypsum features). High rates of loess deposition, with significant cryogenic activity, gypsum precipitation and only weak bioturbation, characterised Oxygen Isotope Stage (OIS) 6 and OIS 4 at Lanzhou. Depositional rates were moderately high in OIS 5d and 5b, with slightly higher bioturbation and no significant cryogenesis or gypsum precipitation. OIS 5e, 5c and 5a were marked by low rates of accretion, more extensive bioturbation and limited leaching. This reconstruction reflects the pedosedimentary responses to fluctuating dominances of monsoonal controls during this period of global climatic change. Comparison of earlier micromorphological results from sites to west and east of Lanzhou along a dry to humid climatic gradient indicate a clear regional pattern with reduced loess accumulation rates and enhanced bioturbation and leaching in the humid east (Tianshui and Xian). Clay translocation occurred only in OIS 5e at Xian, the warmest and most humid site on the transect.
The degree of chemical weathering in soils increases with mean annual precipitation (P; mm) and mean annual temperature (T; C). We have quantified these relationships using a database of major-element chemical analyses of 126 North American soils. The most robust relationship found was between P and the chemical index of alteration without potash (CIA-K): with . Another strong relationship was found between P and 0.0197(CIA-K) 2 P p 221.12e Rp 0.72 the molecular ratio of bases/alumina (B): with . A Mollisol-specific relationship 2 P p 259.34 ln (B) 759.05 R p 0.66 was found relating P to the molar ratio of calcium to aluminum (C) as follows: with P p 130.93 ln (C) 467.4 . Relationships between weathering ratios and T are less robust, but a potentially useful one was found 2 R p 0.59 between T and the molecular ratio of potash and soda to alumina (S) where with 2 T p 18.516(S) 17.298 R p . Our data also showed that most Alfisols can be distinguished from Ultisols by a molecular weathering ratio of 0.37 bases/alumina of !0.5 or by a chemical index of alteration without potassium !80. Application of these data to a sequence of Eocene and Oligocene paleosols from central Oregon yielded refined paleoprecipitation and paleotem-perature estimates consistent with those from other pedogenic and paleobotanical transfer functions for paleoclimate.
We report here a new application of thermoluminescence (TL) for dating
sand dunes. This application assumes that exposure to sunlight causes
bleaching of the geological TL of a sediment to a residual value and
that TL accumulation starts again when the sediment is buried under
fresh deposit and is thus shielded from the Sun. Although the TL method
has been applied to loess1,2 and ocean
sediments3,4, the application of this technique to sand dunes
provides the first reliable dating control for dune dynamics,
palaeoclimatology and spread of deserts.
Luminescence techniques can provide ages for deposits undatable by routine geochronometric techniques (e.g., 14C, K-Ar, fission track). Two classes of events can be dated by luminescence methods: (I) growth of a mineral or its last cooling, and (II) the last exposure to sunlight. Within the past few years, significant advances in procedures, technology, and understanding of the thermoluminescence (TL) behavior of minerals have been made that place luminescence dating techniques on the verge of widespread application to Quaternary deposits.
Most progress has come from studies of known-age material deposited under known conditions. Within class I, both distal and proximal tephra deposits have been dated, using TL techniques originally developed for pottery dating. Within class II, loess, buried soils, and waterlaid silts have been successfully dated. Means have been demonstrated for isolating and controlling several major sources of error, such as the type of TL instability known as anomalous fading, as well as the effects of uncertainty about the degree of zeroing of the luminescence signal in certain depositional environments. In particular, because of different sensitivities to light of the TL of quartz and feldspars, feldspars have been shown to be the preferred component for dating most unheated sediments.
Of the competing TL methods for dating the last exposure to sunlight, the partial bleach (R-Gamma or R-Beta) technique, when properly applied, has been shown to yield the best results in general. Nevertheless, in future dating studies of unheated sediments, this laborious method may be displaced by a novel technique that uses laser light, rather than heat, to stimulate the luminescence that is a measure of the past ionizing radiation absorbed dose. This new optical (OSL) method of dating promises to be simple, sensitive, and speedy.
This chapter discusses frost action. Frost activity is present in many regions of the world, from high latitudes to tropical arid zones, where it may penetrate the soil to a depth of 5-15 cm in winter. Ground freezing is a pedogenetic agent among other soil-forming processes. It results in temperature-driven soil desiccation associated with the main process of ice segregation. The impact of this process depends on various soil characteristics, and on the temperature regime. The segregation of ice lenses results in the development of distinctive soil features, the most typical being platy and lenticular structures at various scales. In conditions of alternating freeze and thaw, the characteristic lenticular and platy microstructures occur together with more or less developed silt and coarse clay cappings on lenticular aggregates and sorting of coarse grains, giving rise to different types of banded fabrics. Other micromorphological features related to ice segregation in soils are silt cappings on coarse grains, vertically oriented coarse grains, microinjection features, grano-and porostriated b-fabrics and granular microstructures. Freezing and thawing and solifluction processes further lead to compaction, displacement, rotation, and deformation of the cryogenic features.
The stratigraphic rank of warming, distinguished in marine deposits as ‘marine oxygen isotope stage 7’ (MOIS 7) and recorded in terrestrial deposits as a palaeosol, has been discussed for a long time. The purpose of this paper is to describe the climate and environment of the time, determined from palaeopedological and palynological investigations of loess-palaeosol sequences in the peri- and metha-Carpathian zones, and to correlate these sequences with the Pleistocene stratigraphic units. The changes in chemical composition of the deposits were used to reconstruct the processes of chemical weathering and translocation of mobile elements during pedogenesis in three sections (Orzechowce, Galych and Velykyi Glybochok). The variability of the mean annual temperature and precipitation was estimated from the changes of elemental ratios resulting from chemical weathering and vegetation composition. From micromorphological analysis, the stages of palaeosol development and their transformation in cold periods were reconstructed. Pollen analysis carried out for the Velykyi Glyboczok, Maksymivka and Stari Kodaky sites, was used to reconstruct the vegetation cover and the temperature changes of the coldest and warmest months were calculated. The results indicate that the penultimate interglacial period, correlated with MOIS 7, comprised two warming periods separated by a profound cooling period. Warm periods were cooler than the last interglacial and more recent conditions. Vegetation was characterized by the co-occurrence in changing proportions of patches of mixed forests and steppe vegetation. In the cold period, permafrost developed in places and cryogenic structures were formed. Regional differentiation of biotope environments, resulting from the increase in the continental nature of the climate towards the east, occurred during the whole interglacial period.
In comparison to other areas in low mountain regions, the widespread occurrence and thickness of loess is impressive in the northern Vienna Forest. Due to differences in grain size, it is obvious that the loess deposits of the Hagenbach Valley deviate from those of other locations. In comparison to the results of Krems and Stillfried, the loess of the Hagenbach Valley has a pronounced maximum in the sand fraction reflecting an essential influence of the Flysch sandstone and a proximity to the source sarea. The loess of the Hagenbach Valley is specified as sediment with significant local impact due to a remarkable influence of
short distance transport. Partly, the loess is of alluvial origin as it contains small pebbles and therefore it reflects cool and wet paleoenvironmental conditions. The malacological evidences coincide with the geomorphodynamic conditions. Redeposition processes cause a generally high degree of fragmentation. The malacological analyses proved 28 species of terrestrial gastropoda, with a total number of 3,283 specimens. The results indicate very humid and cool climate and a weakly expressed, slightly more favorable period is visible in one of the horizons.
Dose-rate conversion factors relevant to luminescence and electron spin resonance dating have been derived from values for the energy carried by radiations emitted during nuelear transformations given in the current ENSDF (Evaluated Nuelear Structure Data File). For beta and gamma radiation the factors are a few percent lower than previously used. For the effective alpha dose-rate it is more appropriate to use an approach based on particle ranges and resultant values are given.
Loess-palaeosol sequences from the western part of the East European loess province were palaeomagneticaly studied. The position of Matuyama-Brunhes boundary was found in the sequence at Zahvizdja (East Carpathian Foreland) overlying the surface that corresponds to the VI Dniestre terrace. This boundary is located within the accu- mulation horizon of an interglacial soil devoloped during the time equivalent of oxy- gen isotope stage 19. The lowermost palaeosol of this sequence, located just below the soil containing the Matuyama-Brunhes boundary record, can thus be correlated with oxygen isotope stage 21 and the VI Dniestre terrace was developed during oxy- gen isotope stage 22. Samples from the palaeosols (especially from their accumulation horizons) revealed the presence of secondary (postdepositional) components of mag- netisation, some resistant to alternating field demagnetisation even as high as 100mT. Fine-grained maghemite is most probably the carrier of these components. Subsequent thermal demagnetisation can remove them, to establish the primary palaeodirections. Hematite and magnetite are the main carriers of remanent magnetisation of the loess layers. The degree of possible delay of remanence aquisition in loess sequences was assessed on sediments from three sections sampled in the Volhynia and Lublin Up- lands. Good correlation of directional changes recorded in coeval segments of loess sections shows that the characteristic magnetisation of aeolian deposits from western part of the East European loess province is approximately syndepositional.
A negative correlation between sediment yield and weathering history, as measured by the chemical alteration (CIA) of the suspended sediment, is observed for many of the world's major rivers and other regions of denudation. The weathering history is a first-order control on the sediment yield of such areas, termed equilibrium denudation regions. For other areas, data scatter with either apparent increases or decreases of sediment yield for given CIA values. These areas are termed nonequilibrium denudation regions. Low sediment yeilds can be attributed to moderated erosion (either natural or human induced) and/or the incorporation of unweathered glacial debris. Accelerated erosion, resulting in high sediment yield, is primarily human-induced and results from cultivation and other land use. Each of these effects has a profound influence on global sediment discharge from the continents. Pre-human suspended sediment discharge from the continents is estimated to be 12.6×1015 g/yr or about 0.6 the present discharge. -Author
Incremental heating of basaltic lava groundmass from the Albuquerque Volcanoes, New Mexico, and plagioclase from Ash D at Pringle Falls, Oregon, yield 40Ar/39Ar isochron ages of 218 ± 14 and 211 ± 13 ka, respectively. Sediments in which Ash D was deposited and the eight lava flows of the Albuquerque Volcanoes display excursional paleomagnetic data with virtual geomagnetic poles (VGPs) in the southern hemisphere and together with the statistically indistinguishable 40Ar/39Ar dates, establish that both sites record the Pringle Falls excursion.This excursion is also recorded by the 227 ± 8 ka Mamaku Ignimbrite, New Zealand, and by high deposition rate sediments at ODP site 919 in the North Atlantic Ocean that are dated astrochronologically at 209–207 ka. We propose that the names “Albuquerque” and “Jamaica” excursion be abandoned and that a radioisotopic age of 211 ± 13 ka be adopted for the Pringle Falls excursion, which is one of five globally expressed, well-documented excursions in marine sediment cores or dated by 40Ar/39Ar methods that took place from 220 to 30 ka. Together with at least five other well-dated excursions between 730 and 520 ka, some ten excursions define the Geomagnetic Instability Time Scale (GITS) for the Bruhnes Chron. Eight of these excursions have been dated using 40Ar/39Ar methods. If the temporal clustering of excursions in the GITS is not a sampling artefact, this suggests that the geodynamo is not intrinsically unstable, but rather that instability in the flow pattern of the outer core fluid flow causes the main dipole field to be considerably weakened such that it becomes unstable with a 200 to 300 ka recurrence interval. Excursions are an important part of dynamo behavior over geologic time scales that, in addition to reversals of the main dipole field, need to be fully considered when assessing whether theoretical and numerical simulations of the dynamo produce earth-like results.
Biśnik Cave is situated in the limestone rock, 7 m above the bottom of the presently dry Wodąca valley. It is located in the Smoleń–Niegowonice Range in the southern part of the Częstochowa Upland. To date, an area of 260 m2 has been explored, to the depth of 150–850 cm. The results of sedimentological, geomorphological, palaeozoological and archaeological investigations provided the basis for the reconstruction of the history of habitation at the Biśnik Cave, in the background of palaeoenvironmenal transformations. Throughout about 300,000 years of occupation, the cave was surrounded by a changing and widely diversified natural environment, with steppe, tundra and forest ecosystems, and marshland and aquatic biotopes. This, combined with the opportunity to exploit varied ecological niches, made the cave a particularly attractive habitation site. As a result, the cave has remnants of a number of habitation phases: ten in the Middle Palaeolithic, one in the Upper Palaeolithic and at least five in the period between the Neolithic and the Middle Ages.The importance of the Biśnik Cave stems from the fact that it has the longest sequence of cave sediments in Poland, seventeen cultural levels including remnants of the oldest Palaeolithic in this part of Europe and the oldest dwelling structures ever discovered in Poland. The history of environment changes was reconstructed based on sedimentological and palaeozoological data. The multiproxy palaeoecology and climatology data are extremely significant for the reconstruction of palaeogeography of Central Europe in the Middle and Upper Pleistocene as well as human occupation history.
Studies of the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) were carried out in order to define the directions and strength of palaeowind during the sedimentation of the youngest loesses in Poland and western Ukraine. These sediments, like the Chinese and Alaskan loesses, appear suitable for application of the AMS method. The inclined mean minimum axes were considered as reflecting the prevailing palaeowind direction at the time of loess sedimentation. The majority of the sections studied indicate a palaeowind direction from W-SW to E-NE, with a mean azimuth of 2588. This direction corresponds to the strike of the Weichselian ice-sheet margin and is parallel to the axis of the lowland between the ice-sheet margin to the north and the Carpathian Mountains and the Podole Upland to the south. Further AMS studies of the oldest parts of loess sequences in Poland and western Ukraine may help in reconstruction of the atmospheric circulation in this part of Europe since c. 900 kyr BP.
The Velykyi Glybochok multicomponent open-air Palaeolithic site is situated in Podolia, Western Ukraine. In addition to the Final Palaeolithic and Upper Palaeolithic cultural layers, three Middle Palaeolithic ones were discovered in a sequence of loess with fossil soils covering Neogene limestones exposed in a local quarry. The present paper discusses the characteristics of archaeological materials found in the site as well as the main results of the geological, palaeopedological and palaeontological (mammals and molluscs) investigation. They are used for reconstruction of the past environment changes and stratigraphical interpretation. The oldest cultural layer III is connected with the Korshiv fossil soil (in Ukrainian nomenclature) of the penultimate interglacial (MIS 7); layer III B with the Ternopil Horizon corresponding with climatic amelioration during the penultimate glacial (MIS 6); and layer III A with the Gorohiv fossil soil originated during MIS 5. In the western part of Eastern Europe, outside the Carpathians, several Mousterian sites dated to the last interglacial are known, but Velykyi Glybochok is the only site where Palaeolithic settlement dated to MIS 7 and 6 is documented. The participation of Levalloisian elements is characteristic for artifacts of all the Middle Palaeolithic (Mousterian) cultural assemblages of Velykyi Glybochok. This suggests a local origin of the Dniesterian Mousterian culture with the Levalloisian technique of stone flaking.
Frost is a pedogenetic agent. This paper describes the use of frost features in soil for paleoclimatic and stratigraphic interpretation. It is possible to differentiate periods of frost activity from those of temperate pedogenesis by macroscopic and microscopic criteria and to distinguish between soils with pre-, syn- and epigenetic frost effects. An experimental approach is necessary to determine initial frost effects because they are usually difficult to observe at natural active sites. Work with ecologists also clarifies the evolution of frost-affected soils under climatic and vegetational constraints. Vegetation has important effects on the thermal and hydraulic regimes of soils and on erosion susceptibility. The recognition of fossil cryosoils often allows the reconstruction of sequences of paleoclimatic events in periods or environments with little or no micropaleontological evidence. The interrelations between frost and other pedogenetic processes allow a better understanding of climatic evolution and deterioration throughout the Neogene and especially during the Quaternary and the Holocene. Most of the inherited frost features in European soils are younger than 480 ka BP. The differentiation between frost and tectonic perturbations is very important for calculation of soil erosional budgets.
In previous work, we have discussed the way in which the contribution of cosmic rays to the dose rates for TL/ESR dating depends on altitude, latitude and depth below ground level. The present paper extends the discussion to greater depths. Long-term changes in the geomagnetic field and the galactic cosmic ray intensity could affect the dose rate. The effects are shown to be small over the past 500 ka in most circumstances.
The Velykyi Glybochok Palaeolithic site near Ternopil town (Podolia Upland) contains a set of cultural layers in a sequence of loess and fossil soils. Beside the archaeological study of stone assemblages, the profile was investigated using lithological, palaeopedological and geochemical methods, including stable carbon and oxygen isotopes composition of pedogenic carbonates, soils micromorphology and TL dating. Remnants of vertebrates' bones and mollusc shells were also distinguished. The oldest cultural layer III documented the presence of Palaeolithic people during the Penultimate Interglacial represented by fossil soil – cambisol in type, developed under dense vegetation cover. The cultural layer III B is connected with initial cambisol originated in a short period of open landscape vegetation with shrubs development, dated to the climatic amelioration during the time of Penultimate Glaciation. The Last Interglacial is represented by luvisol formation with two stages of illuviation, which shows forest type of vegetation. Materials of the cultural layer III A were dispersed in the soil irregularly and mixed with artifacts of cultural layer II. Artifacts of III, III A and III B cultural layers represent the Middle Palaeolithic “Dniesterian Mousterian culture with Levalloisian technique”. These of assemblage II represent the Upper Palaeolithic. Inside the recent soil at the top of the sequence, the Mesolithic cultural layer I is present. Velykyi Glybochok is the only multilayer site in Podolia with detailed information about geological position of particular cultural layers.
Paleosols (fossil soils) are preserved throughout the geologic record in depositional settings ranging from alluvial systems to between basalt flows. Until recently, paleosols were studied using primarily qualitative methods. In recent years, paleopedology has shifted from a largely qualitative field based on comparisons with modern analogues to an increasingly quantitative endeavor. Some of this change has been a result of applying existing techniques to new materials, but many of the innovations have been the result of applying new techniques to new materials, including thermodynamic modeling of soil formation, isotope geochemistry, and applications of empirical relationships derived from modern soils. A variety of semi-quantitative and quantitative tools has been developed to examine past weathering and pedogenesis, and to reconstruct both paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic conditions at the time that the paleosols formed. Though it is often not possible to achieve the same temporal resolution as with marine records for paleoclimatic reconstructions, proxies based on paleosols are potentially a much more direct means of making paleoclimatic reconstructions because soils form at the Earth's surface, in direct contact with the atmospheric and climatic conditions at the time of their formation. Paleoclimatic and environmental properties that may be reconstructed using the new proxies include provenance, weathering intensity, mean annual precipitation and temperature during pedogenesis, nutrient fluxes into and out of the paleosols, the atmospheric composition of important gases including CO2 and O2, the moisture balance during pedogenesis, the soil gas composition, reconstructed vegetative covering, and paleo-altitude.
The early Proterozoic Huronian Supergroup of the north shore of Lake
Huron (Fig. 1) is a thick (up to 12,000 m) succession of sedimentary and
volcanic rocks deposited between about 2,500 and 2,100 Myr
ago1. Here we present a palaeoclimatic interpretation of the
Huronian based on approximately 200 major elements analyses of lutites.
Most of these are new analyses from the Gowganda and Serpent Formations
(Fig. 2). The remainder are from published sources cited in Fig. 4. The
composition of lutites from the Huronian Supergroup records an early
period of intense, probably tropical, weathering followed by climatic
deterioration that culminated in widespread deposition of glaciogenic
sediments of the Gowganda Formation. Climatic amelioration followed
during deposition of the succeeding Huronian formations. The Huronian
succession can be interpreted using a uniformitarian approach in that
present day seafloor spreading rates and latitude-related climatic
variations are compatible with available geochronological and
palaeomagnetic data.
Dose rate conversion factors update Dating Quaternary Events by Luminescence Antropogenovye pokrovnye otlozhenyja Volyno-Podolyy. In: Antropogenovye otlozhenyja Ukrainy
- References Geochemical
- G Adamiec
- M J Aitken
Geochemical indices References Adamiec, G., Aitken, M.J., 1998. Dose rate conversion factors update. Ancient TL 16, 37e50. Berger, G.W., 1988. Dating Quaternary Events by Luminescence. Geological Society of America, pp. 13e50. Special Paper 227. Bogucki, A., 1986. Antropogenovye pokrovnye otlozhenyja Volyno-Podolyy. In: Antropogenovye otlozhenyja Ukrainy. Naukova Dumka, Kiev, pp. 121e132 (in Ukrainian).
Age and the palaeoenvironment of the West Ukrainian Palaeolithic: the case of Velykyi Glybochok multi-cultural site Archaeology, stra-tigraphy and palaeoecology of the Bi snik Cave
- Bogucki
- A ) Boguckyj
- M Qanczont
- B Cka
- T Madeyska
- O Sytnyk
- K Cyrek
- J Miros1aw-Grabowska
- K Stefaniak
- P Socha
Bogucki (Boguckyj), A., qanczont, M., qa ˛ cka, B., Madeyska, T., Sytnyk, O., 2009. Age and the palaeoenvironment of the West Ukrainian Palaeolithic: the case of Velykyi Glybochok multi-cultural site. Journal of Archaeological Sciences 36, 1376e1389. Cyrek, K., Miros1aw-Grabowska, J., Stefaniak, K., Socha, P., 2009. Archaeology, stra-tigraphy and palaeoecology of the Bi snik Cave. In: Stefaniak, K., Tyc, A., Socha, P. (Eds.), Karst of the Cze ˛ stochowa Upland and of the Eastern Sudetes: Palae-oenvironments and Protection, vol. 56. Studies of the Faculty of Earth Sciences, University of Silesia, Sosnowiec e Wroc1aw, pp. 191e214. Cyrek, K., Socha, P., Stefaniak, K., Madeyska, T., Miros1aw-Grabowska, J., Sudo1, M., Czy _ zewski, q., 2010. The Palaeolithic of the Bi snik Cave (Southern Poland) against the environmental background. Quaternary International 220, 5e30.
Priroda ternopil'skoi oblasti. Vyzhsha shkola
- K I Herenchuk
Herenchuk, K.I. (Ed.), 1979. Priroda ternopil'skoi oblasti. Vyzhsha shkola, Lviv, p. 167
(in Ukrainian).
Cryogenic Microfabrics and Macrostructures: Interpretations, Processes and Paleoenvironmental Significance (thesis)
- A S Huijzer
Huijzer, A.S., 1993. Cryogenic Microfabrics and Macrostructures: Interpretations,
Processes and Paleoenvironmental Significance (thesis). Vrije Universiteit,
Amsterdam, p. 236. Instruction manual Res2Dinv 2001. Geoelectrical Imaging
2D and 3D. Geotomo Software.
Thermoluminescence dating of loess deposits in the multilayer Palaeolithic site Velykyi Glybochok in the Podolia (Ukraine)
- S Fedorowicz
- M Qanczont
- Bogucki
- A ) Boguckyj
Fedorowicz, S., qanczont, M., Bogucki (Boguckyj), A., 2004. Thermoluminescence dating of loess deposits in the multilayer Palaeolithic site Velykyi Glybochok in the Podolia (Ukraine). In: Book of Abstracts 8th International Conference " Methods of Absolute Chronology, Ustro n, pp. 43e45.
Bivalves from the Middle Miocene reefs of Poland and Ukraine: a new approach to Badenian/Sarmatian boundary in the Paratethys Paleolit Pridniestrovskoj Podolii. In: Kamennyj viek: pamiatniki, metodika, problemy. Naukowa Dumka
- B Studencka
- M Jasionowski
Studencka, B., Jasionowski, M., 2011. Bivalves from the Middle Miocene reefs of Poland and Ukraine: a new approach to Badenian/Sarmatian boundary in the Paratethys. Acta Geologica Polonica 61 (1), 79e114. Sytnyk, O.S., 1989. Paleolit Pridniestrovskoj Podolii. In: Kamennyj viek: pamiatniki, metodika, problemy. Naukowa Dumka, Kyiv. Sytnyk, O.S., 2000. Serednij paleolit Podillia. Lviv, p. 372 (in Ukranian with English summary).
Podolia Upland. Wielka Geografia Powszechna
- S Lencewicz
Lencewicz, S., 1937. Podolia Upland. Wielka Geografia Powszechna, Polska. Trzaska,
Evert, Michalski, Warszawa, pp. 349e364 (in Polish).