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During the Quaternary, the Lower Volga region was typically a shallow shelf of the Caspian Sea. This region regularly and distinctively responded to sea level fluctuations by changing both sediments and biota. This region is therefore a key to understanding the history of the transgressive-regressive cycles of the Caspian Sea during the Quaternary. There is a wealth of information about the Quaternary deposits of the Lower Volga region; however, their diversity of facies, erosional processes, and fragmented sections create difficulties in stratigraphic interpretation and the development of paleogeographic models. The studied 500-m section of borehole 8 Ulan-Khol is among the few in the Caspian region that allows for the sequential reconstruction of the Quaternary history of the region in one section. These borehole data offer a unique opportunity to reconstruct transgressive-regressive cycles in Pleistocene basins located in the most southeastern part of Europe (the Caspian region). Based on biostratigraphic, sedimentological, and paleomagnetic methods, we were able to define main Early, Middle, and Late Pleistocene units, which were correlated with regional stratigraphical units. Each unit corresponds to regional paleogeographic events and sedimentation modes characterized either by basinal (brackish water) or continental conditions when lagoons and fluvial landscapes dominated. The borehole interpretation integrated with regional data demonstrates a complex history of Caspian basin development during Apsheronian time (MIS 63–20) with the presence of a strong regression in its final stage, accompanied by a previously unknown advance of the Paleo-Volga valley to the latitude of Astrakhan city and further south. This regression and the formation of the Paleo-Volga valley continued during Tyurkyanian time (MIS 19). By the end of the Tyurkyanian, the regression was followed by a transgressive stage, which culminated in Bakunian time (MIS 18–12). The Khazarian stage (MIS 11–5) of Caspian Sea development was characterized by a constant change from alluvial-marine to marine and estuarine environments. The borehole data support our earlier conclusion that the Singilian deposits separate the lower (MIS 11–7) and upper (MIS 5) Khazarian units. New data support the existence of only one transgression of the Caspian Sea during Khvalynian time (MIS 3–2); after its maximum stage the sea level gradually decreased with the formation of coastlines at several terrace levels. Due to its high deposit thickness and rich paleontological, stratigraphic and lithological information, Ulan-Khol borehole 8 can be considered a key site for the Northern Caspian area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents new data on the subfossil insects and molluscs, as well a new radiocarbon date for the Gornovo site in the Southern Fore-Urals. As a result, the stratigraphic interpretation of the sediments of the lower part of the first above floodplain terrace of the Belaya River is corrected and they are assigned to the Tabulda Horizon (MIS 3) of the Upper Pleistocene in the regional scheme of the Fore-Urals Quaternary. The malacofauna of the locality is represented by 27 species of terrestrial and freshwater molluscs. The composition of molluscs in the deposits of MIS 3 indicates the succession of deposit accumulation in the river valley from the stage of reservoirs that periodically connecting with the river to the stage of the overgrown oxbow lake. Single occurrence of mollusc shells in the loams of MIS 2 is a result of sharp climate change. New insect material includes 136 species of Coleoptera from 17 families, as well as Heteroptera and Hymenoptera representatives. 29 species of beetles (Carabidae, Histeridae, Scarabaeidae, Elateridae, Tenebrionidae, Chrysomelidae, Brentidae and Curculionidae) are recorded for the Pleistocene for the first time. The insect assemblages from Gornovo site are assigned to periglacial and humid boreal faunal types. The entomofauna of the periglacial type has no analogues in the recent fauna; it corresponds to the deposits assigned to the middle of MIS 3. This entomofauna is characteristic to the MIS 2 and MIS 3 insect assemblages from the south of West Siberian Plain. Based on entomological data, the climate of the middle of MIS 3 of the Southern Fore-Urals is reconstructed as dry and cold, extracontinental, with mean July temperature not exceeding +15 °C. Steppe landscapes likely prevailed in open areas and coniferous forests were restricted to river valleys. Beetles from deposits dated to end of MIS 3 are assigned to the fauna of the boreal humid type. These insect assemblages are significantly poorer in diversity than periglacial type assemblages and are represented mainly by near water and forest Coleoptera. Based on these species, meadow and forest landscapes were reconstructed. The reconstructed mean air temperature of July ranged from +16 to +19 °C. This suggests a trend towards more mild conditions in the region connected to the climate warming at the end of MIS 3. It is likely that humidification during this period was regional, determined by the proximity of the site to the Southern Urals Mountains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Fergana Valley and the surrounding territories, the number of archaeological sites increased during the Early Holocene. The coincidence of this cultural event, represented by the Obishirian archaeological unit with the onset of the Holocene, suggests that this growing intensity of human activity was driven by climate change, in particular warming and/or wetting. To test this hypothesis, we used fossil terrestrial molluscs from Obishir-V, the eponymic Obishirian site in southern Kyrgyzstan, as a proxy of palaeoenvironmental conditions. We studied pre-Obishirian loess-like deposits from the final Pleistocene and the Early–Middle Holocene sequence of Obishirian-bearing deposits. We analysed taxonomic composition of the mollusc assemblages and used it to infer palaeoecological characteristics, namely preferences in temperature and humidity as well as in differing habitats. Our results showed that the palaeolandscapes and the vegetation during the accumulation of the studied deposits remained almost unchanged. The mollusc assemblages reveal constant dry and warm climatic conditions and stable steppe-like vegetation. Our observations of rather stable climatic conditions in the Fergana Valley during the Pleistocene–Holocene turnover suggests that climate was only a minor driver of the rapid demographic change in Central Asia during those times. Some other factors beyond the changes of humidity must have played an important role. On the basis of our data derived from fossil mollusc assemblages at Obishir-V, we propose to consider the hypothesis that the factor responsible for the intense human occupation of the Fergana Valley during the Early Holocene had not an environmental, but rather a cultural background, such as the neolithization process, such as introduction of domestic livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many Middle-Upper Pleistocene outcrop sections in the Lower Volga region (Caspian Lowland, Russia) in between cities of Volgograd and Astrakhan. The present study focuses on the Seroglazovka locality, which is among the most famous key sites within the Lower Volga region. The Seroglazovka locality is of great regional interest, because of its clear exposure of genetically variable Middle and Upper Pleistocene deposits containing diverse complexes of fauna and flora. Even though the Seroglazovka locality was studied by many researchers, the diversity and along-strike variability of the depositional facies often makes the stratigraphic interpretation challenging. In this study, we performed an extensive and integrated study of the Seroglazovka locality including detailed outcrop mapping with lithological description, as well as diverse biostratigraphy analysis and OSL-dating. In addition to outcrop data, we used recently obtained borehole data near the Seroglazovka locality, which cover almost the entire Quaternary interval. This multidisciplinary approach permitted us to confidently stratify the Quaternary interval of the Seroglazovka locality into a series of regional horizons and subhorizons including the Akchagyl, Apsheron, Tyurkyan, Baku, Khazar and Khvalyn. Furthermore, we correlated the interpreted section to the adjacent parts of the Caspian Lowland and the Regional Stratigraphic Scale. Our results allowed us to determine the main Pleistocene palaeoenvironments and their evolution within the study area. Our findings are important to understand the processes, which led to the modern faunistic composition of the Lower Volga region, and to clarify the role of glacial refugia in the settlement of certain species and further colonization of water basins and land areas with habitable environments. Finally, we suggest the Seroglazovka locality as the key reference Pleistocene section for the Lower Volga region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations of the unconsolidated Upper Pleistocene – Holocene cave deposits of the Southern Urals resulted in detailed biostratigraphical and palaeoenvironmental data. Landscapes of this area have a mosaic character. The forests have regional features developed at the transition of Eastern European broadleaved-dark-coniferous taiga and the Southern-Uralian light coniferous forests. The modern mountain mixed forests appeared during the end of the Holocene. The forest-steppes were widespread during Late Neopleistocene – Holocene. The forest vegetation existed during the warm periods (Tabulda, Middle-Late Holocene) and areas covered by forest were reduced during the cold intervals (Kudashevo, Early Holocene). However, refugia of broad-leaved flora existed in the territory of the Southern Urals even during coldest periods. The Late Pleistocene and Holocene mollusc species are Holarctic species that occur in forest-steppe, forest and intrazonal (river banks) ecological biotopes. The Late Pleistocene and Holocene amphibian associations found in caves are characterized by species that prefer forest biotopes. The reptile faunas contain species which inhabited open areas. The Pleistocene and Holocene fish fauna is a characteristic freshwater fauna occurring in a temperate zone: all species currently inhabit the European rivers. The Pleistocene and Holocene avifaunas include species that occur in the modern ornithological faunas of Northern Asia, Central and Northern Europe. The Late Pleistocene fauna was dominated by species that inhabited open and semi-open landscapes whereas, during the Holocene, species that preferred closed biotopes dominated the bird fauna. During the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene disharmonious small-mammal faunas existed in the central and northern parts of the Southern Urals. These faunas included steppe and semi-desert species; lemmings are rare. In the southern part of the Southern Urals and in the Trans-Urals lemmings are absent. Starting from the Middle Holocene there is a gradual change of small-mammal communities. In the Southern Urals forest species replace the predominance of steppe species, and only in the Trans-Urals the steppe small mammal fauna preserved. The modern small-mammal faunal community appeared in the latitudinal part of the Belaya River valley at the end of the Late Holocene. There were relatively little changes in the Southern Urals large mammal fauna at the end of the Late Neopleistocene – beginning of Holocene. The large mammal fauna consisted of eurybiotic species and species that inhabit open landscapes. Species that prefer forest landscapes appeared at the end of the Early Holocene – beginning of the Middle Holocene. Modern large mammal species appeared during the second half of the Late Holocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

A summary of published and unpublished data on the stratigraphy of the Early Pleistocene (Palaeopleistocene) of the Southern Urals region is presented in this paper. The summary follows previous reviews about the characteristics of the Pleistocene deposits of the easternmost part of Europe. The improvement and unification of the Regional Quaternary stratigraphical scheme was the main aim of these investigations. Deposits of different origin, which constitute the regional stratigraphical units (Zilim-Vasilyevo, Akkulaevo and Voevodskoe), are characterized. Malacological data form the base for the biostratigraphical subdivision. At the beginning of the Early Pleistocene, an ingression of the Akchagyl Sea (modern Caspian Sea area) began in the Zilim-Vasilyevo time, which developed as much as possible during Akkulaevo time, and then shortly re-emerged after regression into the territory of the Southern Fore-Urals during Voevodskoe time. During the Early Pleistocene (Palaeopleistocene), the Southern Fore-Urals region was characterized by continental climate conditions, which were influences by the wideapreaded brackish-water gulf of the Akchagyl Sea. Fossil molluscs, ostracods, mammals and pollen are used for the reconstruction of the palaeoenvironmental conditions and the biostratigraphical position of the main localities. The units have been correlated with the Gelasian stage of the Western European stratigraphical timescale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A summary of published and unpublished data on the stratigraphy of the late Early Pleistocene (Eopleistocene) of the Southern Urals region is presented in this paper. The summary follows previous reviews about the characteristics of the Pleistocene deposits of the easternmost part of Europe. The improvement and unification of the regional Quaternary stratigraphic scheme is the main aim of these investigations. In this paper we describe deposits of different origin, which constitute the regional stratigraphic units (Tyulyan, Raevka, Udryak, Khlebodarovka, Dombarovka, Blagovar and Oktyabrsky Horizons), are characterized. During the late Early Pleistocene (Eopleistocene), the Southern Fore-Urals region was characterized by continental climate conditions and by four phases of incisions of the hydrographic network that were related to regional uplift, as well as to the lowering of the base level and the subsequent regression of the Late Akchagylian Sea. Fossil molluscs, ostracods, mammals and pollen are used for the reconstruction of the palaeoenvironmental conditions and the biostratigraphical positions of the main localities. During Raevka, Khlebodarovka and Blagovar times, the climate was cool, and forest-steppe landscapes with prevalent open spaces existed. The climate during the Tyulyan, Udryak, and Dombarovka and Oktyabrsky times was warm, and during these periods, the areas of deciduous and coniferous forests expanded in the forest-steppes. The molluscan fauna of the Early Eopleistocene was a transitional fauna from the Pliocene to the Quaternary because the wet and warm climate, which was favourable to the Pliocene mollusc species, continued in the Southern Fore-Urals during the Early Eopleistocene. The mammalian assemblages are the basis for the biostratigraphical subdivision. The deposits are biostratigraphically correlated to the Lower Eopleistocene on the basis of the appearance of the first unrooted voles Allophaiomys and Prolagurus together with late species of the Mimomys genus. At the end of the Eopleistocene, the unrooted voles Terricola and Lagurina were numerous , the first Microtus appeared , late species of Mimomys were not numerous, and Archidiskodon trogontherii appeared in the mammal faunas of the region. The small mammals of the Tyulyan and Udryak times represent the Odessa faunal assemblage. The mammal fauna of the Oktyabrsky time corresponds to the Tiraspol faunal assemblage. The units are correlated with the Upper Villafranchian – Galerian stages interval in the Western European stratigraphical timescale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is devoted to summary and analysis of the Quaternary stratigraphic investigations and state of the stratigraphic schemes of the different regions of the European part of Russia. The previous summary on the Quaternary of Russia was done in 1984. Thus, this paper presents a brief analysis of the state of the Quaternary investigations in European Russia for the first time since last 30 years. Paper describes history of the Quaternary investigations of the European Russia as well as zoning (structural-facies zones) of the territory in correlation with the conditions of the Quaternary sedimentation. Summary of the Quaternary deposits developed in each zone and validity of stratigraphic units as well as state of the Regional Quaternary schemes is given for each structural-facies zone. Regional schemes are correlated with units of the General Stratgraphic chart of Russia and with International Chart. Analysis of the stratigraphic knowledge on the Quaternary deposits in various structural-facies zones in the European part of Russia has enabled to formulate the unresolved and discussable points and direction for the future investigations of the Quaternary studies. 1. Due to the change of boundary between the Neogene and Quaternary systems and involvement of the Palaeopleistocene stage in the Quaternary, stratigraphic horizons in this interval require additional study, and the most representative sequences should be selected as unit stratotypes for different zones. 2. In the areas of ice cover, various opinions on the age and number of glacial horizons in the Upper-Middle Neopleistocene, their distribution boundaries are still debatable. 3. In some areas and regions (Fore-Caucasus, Caucasus, Urals, Black Sea), differentiation of continental deposits is poorly substantiated by fauna. Their stratification is based on palaeoclimatic reconstructions, geomorphological analysis, and comparison with substantiated by fauna marine sequences of Ponto-Caspian Sea or continental sequences in the Fore-Urals and Western Siberia. Here, the most urgent task is to search for and study sequences in the transitional zone incorporating continental, ingressive, and marine sediments. 4. Development of regional charts for the Quaternary is relevant for the Caucasus, the Black Sea coast regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex biostratigraphical methods and radiocarbon dates were used to reconstruct the Middle (late Middle Pleistocene) and Late Neopleistocene (Late Pleistocene) palaeoenvironments covering the Palaeolithic period in the western foreland of the Urals. The Gornovo Palaeolithic settlement is located on the lowest terrace of the Belaya River. From the base to the top, this terrace consists of fluvial and lacustrine deposits of the Belaya horizon (Middle Neopleistocene; 427–364 ka), alluvial and lacustrine deposits of the Larevka horizon (Middle Neopleistocene; 364–334 ka), fluvial and lacustrine deposits of the Tabulda horizon (Late Neopleistocene; 57–24 ka), water-slope deposits of the Kudashevo horizon (Late Neopleistocene; 24–11 ka) and chernozem soil of the Holocene. The small and large mammals, insects, molluscs, and ostracods discovered in the deposits complete the palaeoecological characteristics of these periods. A diverse herbaceous steppe vegetation dominated during the Belaya Interglacial (a mixed coniferous forests with broad-leaved trees occurred in wet areas). The ostracoda species clearly indicate a cooling at the end of this time span. Molluscs inhabited the rivers and shores of freshwater ponds. The large mammals belong to the Middle Pleistocene fauna complex. During Larevka time span vegetation and fauna indicate cold climate conditions. The cold steppe communities typical of the beginning of this period changed gradually into communities that show an increasing role of the taiga. The ostracoda species confirm these cold conditions. Forest-steppe landscapes dominated during the second part of the Tabulda time span. Numerous ostracods as well as molluscs populated the lakes and floodplain basins. Entomological data show that the palaeoenvironment conditions were somewhat cooler than modern environment existing in the Southern Ural foreland. The large mammals of the Gornovo site belong to the Late Palaeolithic complex with the specific presence of Camelus sp. The Gornovo forest-steppe small mammalian fauna developed in cool continental climate conditions when coniferous forests grew in the river valleys and when forest-steppe landscapes dominated in the water interfluves. The artefacts are characteristic of the beginning of the Late Palaeolithic (32–24 ka). The Kudashevo time is correlated with the late Valdai (late Late Pleistocene; 24–11 ka). The herbage- Artemisia -Chenopodiaceae grassland-steppe association covered most of the territory and a Picea forest with Betula and a small quantity of broad-leaved trees grew in wet depressions. The climate at the end of this period became colder. Freshwater and terrestrial molluscs were represented by rare widespread species while the ostracoda species indicate cold conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A summary of published and unpublished data on the stratigraphy of the early Middle Pleistocene of the Southern Urals region is presented in this paper. It follows previous reviews about the characteristics of the Pleistocene deposits of the easternmost part of Europe. Deposits of different origin, which constitute the regional stratigraphic units, are characterized. Mammalian data form the base for the (bio)stratigraphical subdivision. Fossil mollusca, ostracoda, mammals and pollen are used for the reconstruction of the palaeoenvironmental conditions and the stratigraphical position of the main localities is discussed. The beginning of the early Middle Pleistocene (Minzitarovo time) coincides with a stabilization of the hydrographic network. Palaeontological remains from that period are rare. Pinus–Picea forests with small admixture of broad-leaved species were spread at the beginning of this interval. Later, the role of forests decreased and the role of herbs and Chenopodiaceae increased. Palynological data indicate that the climate was cool during that time. The landscapes of the Baza time were dominated by herbaceous- Artemisia associations and small birch forests with an admixture of broadleaved and coniferous trees and the terminal time was characterized by the wide development of taiga. Ostracods and molluscs are known from those deposits. Ecological composition of the small mammalian faunas indicates forest-steppe conditions for the southern part of this natural zone. Small mammals of that time belong to the Tiraspol faunal assemblage. The climate was warm and dry. The initial Tanyp time was characterized by the development of herbaceous– Artemisia –Chenopodiaceae steppes and broadleaved birch forests, which were subsequently replaced by a dominance of taiga associations, which tolerate cold climatic conditions. Molluscs are represented by rare terrestrial and freshwater species. The assemblage of freshwater ostracods includes cold-resistant species. In the Atasevo time, broadleaved birch forests and meadow-steppes characterized the landscape. The presence of stenothermic–thermophilic ostracods species indicates warm climatic conditions. Molluscs are represented by terrestrial and numerous freshwater species. The small mammalian fauna is characterized by the smaller percentage of Mimomys voles; it post-dates the Baza fauna. The Atasevo fauna is unique because of the occurrence of Arvicola mosbachensis Schmidtgen among the typical early Middle Pleistocene species. At the end of this period during the Chusovskoi timespan, the herbaceous– Artemisia –Chenopodiaceae steppes, which covered spacious open areas, were subsequently replaced by coniferous-birch forests with an admixture of broadleaved trees. Fossil remains are rare. Ostracods represent cold-resistant species indicating that the climate was cold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A representative mollusc fauna attributed to the late phase of the Karginian Interstadial (MIS 3) has been found in the Bol'shoj Naryn Palaeolithic site (Fore-Baikal region). The general organization of the strata at the Bol'shoj Naryn site has been established through excavations realized during the previous field seasons. It shows a modern soil made of sandy loess deposits 1 m thick, dated from the Sartan glacial stage, and underlined by a high viscosity paleosol layers which is up to 1 m thick developed during the Karginian Interstadial. The “cultural layer” has been correlated with the upper Karginian soil contains numerous stone tools and animal fossils. This paper focus on the mollusc assemblage attributed to the upper Karginian sediment. The mollusc assemblage (2460 determined specimens) consists of six species and five genera of terrestrial molluscs. Succinella oblonga , Pupilla muscorum and Vallonia tenuilabris are the best represented species. The molluscs suggest the existence of landscapes corresponding with humid meadows and forests located in the relief depressions or along banks of the river. Molluscs of the Bol'shoj Naryn site have been compared with equivalent mollusc complexes from Siberian and Southern Fore-Uralian localities. They display a distinctive poverty in the species composition and show similarity with the complex of the Gornovo locality (Southern Fore-Urals region). Comparison of the mollusc complex from the Bol'shoj Naryn locality with molluscs from the last glacial period also showed similarity with the complex of the Gornovo locality (Kudashevo period in the Southern Urals – last phase of the Late Valdai equivalent MIS 2). The climatic conditions which prevailed in the surroundings of the Bol'shoj Naryn locality during the late phase of the Karginian interglacial period (32–25 ka BP) of the Fore-Baikal region were cooler than those existing at the same time in Europe and Southern Urals. Correlation between the data obtained after malacological investigations and other paleontological data obtained from palynology and vertebrate records suggest a moderate cold and humid climate in the Fore-Baikal region during the second part of MIS 3, with predominance of open landscapes of steppes and relatively limited taiga forest, tundra, and wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper is a synthesis of previously published and unpublished materials dealing with the stratigraphy of the Holocene deposits of the Southern Uralian region (easternmost part of Europe). Results of the mammalian, amphibian, reptilian, malacological, and palynological investigations as well as radiocarbon data provide the basis for stratigraphical subdivision and reconstruction of the palaeoenvironments. The Holocene is represented by the Agidel Horizon with three subhorizons. The Holocene deposits form the high and lower flood plain terraces and the unconsolidated deposits in the caves. The vegetation development is based on Betula–coniferous forests at the beginning of this interval, which were replaced by Pinus–Picea forests with broad-leaved trees admixture (Early Holocene). At the beginning of the Middle Holocene birches decreased and the broadleaved trees and Picea increased in the forest compositions. The climate was warmer and more humid than the modern one. During the Late Holocene the type of vegetation was close to the modern one. Picea–Pinus–birch-tree forest was growing in the northern part of the Southern Fore-Urals with broad-leaved trees in the southern part. The percentage of open woodlands with Artemisia–Chenopodiaceae–herbage associations increased towards the end of that time. The mollusc fauna is represented by terrestrial and freshwater species. The variety and quantity of the terrestrial species increased compared with the Late Neopleistocene. The main part of the modern amphibian fauna of Southern Urals was formed during the Early Holocene. Modern amphibian fauna developed at the end of the Late Holocene and is represented by forest species. The modern fauna of reptiles of the Southern Urals formed at the end of the Late Holocene when steppe species disappeared. Nowadays, steppe biotopes exist in the southern part of this area. In the Southern Urals, the Early Holocene small mammal steppe biotopes were replaced by the modern forest biotopes. In the Trans-Urals the faunas were steppe species throughout the period. The Holocene large mammal fauna was characterized by the transition from the Mammoth to the Holocene complex when Late Pleistocene species disappeared during the Early Holocene. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper is a synthesis of the previously published and unpublished materials dealing with the stratigraphy of the Upper Pleistocene (Upper Neopleistocene according to the Russian stratigraphic scheme) of the Southern Urals. It is the second review about the characteristics of the Pleistocene deposits of the easternmost part of Europe. It follows a previous paper concerning the biostratigraphy of the Late Middle Pleistocene of this region. The deposits which constitue the regional stratigraphic units are characterized. The results of the mammalian, malacological and palynological investigations as well as the radiocarbon data provide the basis for the stratigraphical subdivision and the reconstruction of the palaeoenvironments. The main geological and biotical events of the Southern Urals region which took place during Late Pleistocene are characterized in the paper. Erosional processes became active at the beginning of Kushnarenkovo time when uplift took place in the Urals and when the Late Chosarian regression began on the Caspian Sea basin territory. Fluvial deposits can be observed at the base of the second terrace which developed above the floodplain. A soil was formed on the subhorizontal surfaces. Forest-steppe and steppe landscapes characterized this interval. The climate was warm and humid. The Saigatka horizon formed under cold conditions. Slope processes and solifluction were the main relief-forming processes and fluvial erosion processes became weaker. Floodplain sediments accumulated in the river valleys and formed the upper parts of the second terraces above the floodpain which were intensively eroded. The plains were covered by steppe and the mountainous areas were occupied by tundra and forest–tundra landscapes. The next erosional cycle began during the following Tabulda period, because of the lowering of base level of the erosion and increased uplift of the territory. The fluvial sediments now form the lower parts of the first terraces above the floodplain. A soil was formed on the watersheds. Sites contain Late Palaeolithic artifacts. The floral association was close to Southern Uralian flora of the present-day. The climate was moderately warm in the plains and drier and cooler in the mountains. The subsequent Kudashevo event can be correlated with the Late Glacial when the climate became colder. Loess-like sediments and floodplain deposits form the upper parts of the first terrace above the floodplain and cover the watersheds, where they contain cryogenic structures. The climate was moderately cold. Late Palaeolithic sites attributed to the Kudashevo time are known in the Southern Urals region. The stratigraphical positions of the main Upper Neopleistocene localities of the Southern Urals are discussed. The Southern Urals subdivisions are correlated with the Western European stratigraphical scheme (Eemian–Weichselian interval). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Batajnica loess section is one of the most complete Middle and Late Pleistocene records known in the Vojvodina region (Serbia). The main aim of the malacological investigations was to study the latest Middle Pleistocene cold interval and to see how the mollusc successions reacted to the climate changes during the cold–warm transition. The deposits which belong to the upper part of pedocomplex V-S2, V-L2 loess and partly to the V-S1 soil were sampled. The penultimate glacial loess V-L2 of the Batajnica site corresponds to the cold interval Marine Isotope Stage (MIS 6). The molluscs indicate moderate or sometimes warm climate and dry or moderate steppe-like environment composed of adjacent mosaics of drier and humid habitats. The mollusc complexes of V-S2 soil (MIS 7c), V-L2 loess (MIS 6) and V-S1 paleosol (MIS 5e) show almost the same species composition, which suggests the existence of a comparatively moderate or warm climate during the late Middle Pleistocene cold interval. In contrast, the mollusc complexes (MIS 6) from Western and Eastern Europe have less species and few individuals compared with the Batajnica section. Comparison with the late Middle Pleistocene mollusc associations from the northern and southern margins of the Fruška Gora Mountain confirms its environmental originality. The northern side of the mountain was characterized by a humid and relatively colder environment than the other areas of the Vojvodina region (Batajnica, Irig and Ruma). The mollusc fauna obtained in the Batajnica site suggests that this adjacent area represented a refugium for the thermophilous and arid tolerant species where they were able to survive during the cold periods of the Pleistocene and thus confirms the hypothesis of P. Sümegi. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the Tanalyk River valley (Trans-Uralian area, Bashkortostan Republic, Russia) between the Late Pleistocene and the Late Holocene has been established through biostratigraphic investigations. The Tanalyk Bronze Age settlement is located on the first overflood terrace of the Tanalyk River. From the base to the top, this terrace consists of fluvial and lacustrine deposits of the Tabulda horizon, water-slope deposits of the Kudashevo horizon (Late Pleistocene), and subaerial deposits of the Middle and Upper Holocene. During the Late Pleistocene, open landscapes covered by herbs-Artemisia-Chenopodiaceae meadow-steppe associations with Ephedra sp. admixture dominated. Betula and Pinus forests grew in small areas. Picea with Polypodiaceae understory grew in humid valleys. The climate was warm and dry during the Tabulda and cold during the Kudashevo. The subaerial Holocene deposits (soil and cultural layer) were correlated with the Boreal and Subboreal periods of the Blytt–Sernander scale. The late Subboreal climate was cold and dry. The vegetation of this period was represented by Artemisia-Chenopodiaceae steppe and by small Pinus forests with Betula, Tilia and Alnus. The climate of the Subatlantic was wet at the beginning and drier at the end. The vegetation of this period was represented mainly by the Artemisia steppe associations. Small mammals, and land and freshwater mollusc remains have been discovered in the same deposits and complete the palaeoecological characteristic of these periods. A cultural layer has been dated at 2830 ± 110 BP LU-3713 on bones of Equus sp. Numerous Holocene large mammal remains have been found in the cultural layer deposits, dated to Subboreal-3. The large Holocene mammal fauna is constituted of eurybiotic species and species of semi-open landscapes. Bone remains of domestic animals dominate in the collection. Pastoral farming constituted the base of the economy of this ancient people, and the role of hunting was small. The investigated area is now covered by the waters of the Tanalyk water reservoir. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The altitudes of the lowest part of the Upper Cretaceous-Paleogene and Plio-Quaternary stratigraphic ensembles known in the Paleo-Volga basin and in the Paleo-Urals have been computed and represented at the same time for comparison. These two surfaces indicate an east–west elongated dome which follows 53°N on the western slope of the Southern Urals. This ridge is superimposed at depth with the remnants of the Sernovodsk-Abdulino Aulacogen and with the Belaya tear fault, which supports the existence of a recent rejuvenation of these deep basement disruptions. The 3D reconstruction shows that the two surfaces display the same type of uplift at around 52.50°N, 56.50°E. The variations in altitude of the two surfaces have been sampled along two sections running at the same longitude. When the two profiles are superimposed, the “post-Cretaceous and Paleogene” curve is higher. This result suggests that the uplift started after the Paleogene and continued until nowadays. Calculation of the local amount of uplift after the Aktschagylian considered the difference between the maximum uplift of the surface and a regional trend corresponding with the almost horizontal surface of the former deposits. In these conditions, the deformation affecting the Aktschagylian-Quaternary ensemble reaches 175 m. Since the measured post Cretaceous–Paleogene uplift incorporates also the Pliocene-Quaternary uplift, before the Pliocene the uplift only reached 23 m in altitude. This result gives an idea of the irregularity of the topography that the Aktschagylian transgression had to face. This result also suggests that the Pliocene-Quaternary amount of uplift was 6 times larger than the former one. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A description of the different layers deposited in La Haute Ville and Bréhat sites is given. Methodological considerations and comparisons with Russian, French and Netherlands stratigraphic scales are summarized. Malacological study shows the existence of shells deposited during the Early, Middle and Late Weichselian. In La Haute Ville, the upper part of the Lower and Middle Weichselian contains four soils which developed above an aeolian dune. Four malacozones have been separated. The groups of molluscs were classified according to their modern ecological preferences. The upper part of La Haute Ville Formation is observed in the lower part of the La Haute Ville cliff. This aeolian accumulation is completely decalcified. There is no fauna. The presence of colored quartz implies the existence of a warm climate. By comparison with other dunes of Brittany, it could be dated to the Early Weichselian. Comparison between the onshore and offshore data shows that the dune has never been as rich in carbonates as the loess or loess-like deposits. The Port Morvan Formation consists of four different soils interlayered with loams. All the soils are located at the level of the dome-like top of the dune. The disappearance of the soils towards the west and the east is associated with an undulation of the dune. The existence of four soils and the presence of molluscs living under broad leaved forests suggest a moderate climate. The cooling of the climate started at the end of the Port Morvan formation. These data allow correlation of this formation with the Middle-Lower Weichselian. The formation of Sables d’Or les Pins corresponds with true loess. It was deposited above the Port-Morvan formation which displays a clear erosion of its top. The top of this formation was affected by the development of a Holocene soil. A light grey layer represents a podzolic horizon. The lower boundary of these layers is affected by thermokarst. Because of their location, their aeolian origin, the existence of thermokarst, the mollusc assemblage and the dating already obtained elsewhere, this section is attributed to the Upper Weichselian. The Holocene deposits are represented by a podzolic soil and slope deposits, which formed during moderately humid conditions. It covers a dark grey soil made of colluvium containing charcoal and prehistoric to recent artifacts, which possibly formed in a forest or bush environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The evolution of the mollusc fauna found in the easternmost part of Europe was affected by three main stages of development during the Quaternary. The Early Eopleistocene mollusc assemblage consists of rare terrestrial and numerous freshwater species with numerous thermophilic (Pliocene) species. The Late Eopleistocene – Early Neopleistocene is characterized by terrestrial and freshwater molluscs with few warm stenothermic Pliocene species. The Early Neopleistocene – Holocene assemblage is characterized by terrestrial and freshwater molluscs of modern affinities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cave and terrace localities containing Upper Pleistocene and Holocene deposits have been biostratigraphically investigated in the mountainous part of the Southern Urals, in the latitudinal oriented valley of the Belaya River (Russian Federation). The main fieldwork was undertaken in 1999–2000. Its purpose was to save all the possible geological information before the building of the Yumaguzino reservoir. Nowadays, most of the localities described in the paper are under water. Biostratigraphical and archaeological data were studied at the same time (artefacts from the Late Palaeolitic to the Early Iron Age were found in the caves). The main characteristics of the Upper Quaternary terraces and of the cave deposits as well as the results of the paleontological investigations are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Summarized information is given on the Upper Pliocene–Pleistocene deposits of the Southern Urals with data on the distribution of significant ostracod species, molluscs, large and small mammals and plant remains. The Late Cenozoic history of the Southern Urals is characterized by transgression of the Akchagylian Sea, which ingressed all river valleys of the Southern Fore-Urals during the Pliocene. The Pleistocene deposits in the area are of continental origin. The Pleistocene cover glaciations did not reach the Southern Urals; however, the Quaternary climatic fluctuations affected the history of the fauna, flora and human societies, as well as the geomorphological character of the area. The development of the territory was governed by a general activization of tectonic movements and a quick uplift of the surface. This event belongs to the most recent stage of the geological history of the Urals. According to recent fission-track data, the age of the relics of a peneplain preserved in the tops of the Ural Mountains is hardly older than the Cretaceous, which contradicts the traditional point of view. The period of formation of the modern Ural Mountains is probably also much shorter than is usually thought and corresponds mainly to Pliocene-Quaternary times. The Southern Urals is an important area for correlation between the European and Siberian/Asiatic stratigraphic schemes. To improve the correlation between these two areas and to expand our understanding of the complex geology of the area, future (bio)stratigraphical investigation of the Pliocene–Pleistocene deposits of the Southern Urals region is necessary. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: From the 1960s a considerable amount of data on mammals, molluscs, and vegetation from Quaternary deposits of the Southern Urals region has been produced. The age of key stratigraphic localities was established by using different geological and palaeontological evidence, palaeomagnetic and absolute dating. The flora and fauna history is summarized for the southern part of the Urals. The result is that the history of fossil organic forms and plant associations could be traced, characteristic complexes could be recognized and a curve with changes in the vegetation could be constructed. Results of biostratigraphical investigations are given in the review. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Numerous caves and terraces with late Late Pleistocene (Upper Neopleistocene according to the Russian stratigraphic scale)–Holocene deposits are located in the Lemeza River valley in the surroundings of the Atysh waterfall, the native reserve territory of the Bashkortostan Republic. Lemeza River runs in the southern part of the western slope of the Urals and belongs to the Belaya River valley system (Russian Federation). A summary of the biostratigraphical investigations between 1992 and 2007 in this area is given. Deposits of cave and fluvial origin are characterized in the framework of the regional stratigraphy. The results of mammalian investigations and radiocarbon dating provide the basis for the stratigraphical subdivision. Palynology, mollusca, fishes, amphibian and reptiles are used for the reconstruction the palaeoenvironments. The Southern Urals stratigraphic subdivisions are correlated with Western European (Weichselian-Holocene), Eastern European (Russia) (Leningrad–Ostashkov–Shuvalov) and Uralian (Nevyansk–Polar Urals–Gorbunovsky) stratigraphic schemes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A summary of published and unpublished materials on the stratigraphy of the Late Middle Pleistocene (Middle Neopleistocene according to the Russian stratigraphic scheme) of the Southern Urals region is given. Deposits of different origin in the regional stratigraphic units are characterized. The results of mammalian investigations provide the basis for the stratigraphical subdivision. Mollusca and palynology are used for the reconstruction of the palaeoenvironments. The stratigraphical positions of the main Middle Neopleistocene localities and precise definitions of the stratigraphical scheme of the Southern Urals region are discussed. The Southern Urals subdivisions are correlated with the Western European stratigraphical schemes (Holsteinian–Saalian interval). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Quaternary loess-like deposits occur in the Southern Ural region. The loess-like deposits attributed to the Upper Neopleistocene (Kudashevo horizon) are the most widespread and comprehensively studied. Pollen spectra studied in the loess-like Kudashev (late Valdai) deposits suggest dominance of meadow-steppe communities with various herbs, Artemisia and Chenopodiaceae; there existed also forest-steppes with Alnus, Betula and Pinus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Bajslan-Tash cave locality is situated in the southern part of the Urals in the Belaja River valley (Russian Federation). The post-glacial period of environmental development of the Southern Urals is represented in the Bajslan-Tash cave site. Unconsolidated sediments were studied with the help of faunal, palynological and radiocarbon methods. Descriptions of the unconsolidated deposits of the cave are given in this article. Preliminary results of a stratigraphical subdivision of the investigated sediments and palaeoenvironmental reconstructions are submitted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: At present there are more than 15 Palaeolithic type localities in the Southern Urals region. Most of these are located in karst cavities in the mountain area. In the flat part of the country, Palaeolithic type localities are extremely rare and are situated in the deposits of the second river terraces. Results of biostratigraphical investigations of the main localities are given in this short review. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article deals with the initial data coming from the Ivolga Fortress archaeological site located in the Trans-Baikal area. Multidisciplinary investigations were performed, including palynological and archaeozoological studies. Palynological data reflects the palaeovegetation of the region and shows the abundance of forested landscapes in the past. The fauna was made of molluscs (7 taxa), fishes (14 taxa), amphibians (3 taxa), reptiles (1 taxon), and wild mammals (18 taxa). The species composition and environmental data show the mosaic character of landscapes surrounding the ancient settlement: taiga and forest, steppe and forest-steppe biotopes, as well as meadows in the Selenga valley with the prevalence of open steppe spaces. In the era of the Xiongnu Empire 209 BC – 48 AD (Kradin, 2001) the climate was less arid than it is now. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract New investigations performed on the area around the famous Palaeolithic site of Mal'ta (Baikal Siberia) shed new light on the complete sequence of the deposits enclosing the site. Changes in the human habitat are traced through MIS 5 to MIS 2; the initial cluster of artefacts and faunistic remains of MIS 3 age is found in situ. Cultural layers of older age have been newly discovered The full faunal biodiversity, including three mollusc species, one fish species, three bird species, two species of Eulipotyphla, three Lagomorpha species, fourteen rodents and four large mammal species, has been established within time intervals corresponding to MIS 5, MIS 3, and MIS 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a response to the comments provided by Kseniya Kolobova and Andrey Krivoshapkin to our article, in which we presented the results of geoarchaeological analysis of the materials from the Tuyana Upper Paleolithic site. We are grateful to the authors for their attention to our study. However, we do not share their opinion that the Early Upper Paleolithic assemblage of Tuyana site is just "one of the manifestations of regional bladelet/microblade techno-complexes with a low number of carinated cores". It can be best defined as a variety of Aurignacian sensu lato because it contains typical Aurignacian cores and tools. We hope that this response sufficiently addresses the main points of the critique and, moreover, that it will be useful to direct further debates on the settlement of North Asia by modern humans in the Upper Paleolithic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, different geochemical and biological proxies, including pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs, ostracods and molluscs, from an AMS radiocarbon-dated sediment core from Lake Ochaul (54°14′N, 106°28′E; 641 m a.s.l.) are presented and discussed. Ochaul is a fresh-water lake and an archaeological site situated ca. 100 km northwest of Lake Baikal in the upper reaches of the Lena River. The 260-cm-long sedimentary record presented here spans the Lateglacial–Holocene interval, between ca. 13,500 cal yr BP and the present. The reconstructions of the postglacial vegetation and lake system development are discussed along with the regional climate dynamics and the hemispheric-scale environmental changes. During the Allerød interstadial the region around Lake Ochaul was dominated by sparse taiga forests. Cooling during the Younger Dryas led to a more open tundra landscape where trees formed patchy forest stands in climatically favourable environments. This facilitated a rapid spread of forests at the onset of the Early Holocene during which the study region was probably characterized by seasonally dry climate controlled by the interplay of higher insolation, lower global sea levels and remaining ice sheets in the North Atlantic region. After thermal and moisture optimum conditions and a maximum spread of forests during the Middle Holocene, continuous cooling and a trend to more open forests landscapes marked the Late Holocene. These long-term trends were interrupted by several relatively short episodes of change in the vegetation and algal records, which coincide with short-term (centennial-scale) Northern Hemisphere cooling/drying phases. This shows that the regional vegetation reacted sensitively to these climate oscillations. Six AMS radiocarbon dates of bone material of large herbivorous animals from the Ochaul archaeological site located at the northern shore of the lake provide important information about prehistoric hunter-gatherers and indicate that activities at the site took place at ca. 27,780–27,160 cal yr BP (95% probability range) as well as during the Mesolithic (ca. 8850–8450 cal yr BP), Early, Middle and Late Neolithic (between ca. 6840 and 5490 cal yr BP) and the Iron Age (ca. 2120–1930 cal yr BP). Our results demonstrate that despite major environmental transformations following the Last Glacial Maximum, Lake Ochaul and the Malaya Anga River valley remained attractive for large herbivores and for prehistoric hunter-gatherers, even during the Middle Neolithic cultural "hiatus" (ca. 6660–6060 cal yr BP) in Cis-Baikal, as documented by the published archaeological records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multilayer sections in lake bottom sediments and continental sections of loose sediments in Mongolia and the Baikal region provide rich palaeontological material and radiocarbon dating for palaeoenvironmental reconstructions of the Late Pleistocene (Late Glacial) to Holocene. Multidisciplinary data from lacustrine bottom sediments provide evidence of past lake level and vegetation dynamics in the watersheds. Palaeontological data from terrestrial deposits indicate a mosaic landscape structure and a temperate warm and humid climate during the Late Glacial and Holocene, with some regional variability. Global and regional climatic changes at the end of the Pleistocene resulted in the mass extinction of components of the Mammoth faunistic complex, such as the woolly mammoth, cave lion, cave hyena, and big-horned deer; the number of tundra species decreased and migrated to the north, and arid animal species migrated to the south. During the Holocene, four vegetation types (steppe, forest, taiga, and desert) did not show radical changes, but their ratio and spatial distribution changed. Steppe landscapes were replaced by desert steppes during the arid phases of the Holocene. In contrast, the area of taiga forests expanded during humid Holocene phases, but the steppe landscapes remained dominant in the studied territory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The complex study of the 3.5-m thick section of the multi-genetic sediments of the Late Paleolithic Tuyana site (Tunka rift valley, Baikal region) resulted in a first detailed record of the change in environment and climate of the ancient humans' habitation in the Tunka rift valley in Late Pleistocene and Holocene in the interval of >36 ka cal BP until Late Holocene. Sedimentation processes in the section are characterized by multiple remobilizations. Redeposition traces are most strongly expressed in МIS 3 sediments. Apparently, an intensive transient removal of slope sediments took place here at МIS 2. The common tendency of the natural environment and habitation conditions of the ancient humans in the Tunka valley show domination of the open and relatively dry tundra-steppe with areas of forests vegetation in the end of MIS 3, mostly dry steppes with limited forest-tundra and tundra associations in MIS 2 with the spread of boreal taiga in Holocene. Tunka rift valley around 50 ka cal BP had already been settled by humans and was visited by them during the periods of relatively favorable climatic conditions: during the MIS 3 optimums and in Middle Holocene. The Tuyana Paleolithic complexes have extensive analogies with the Aurignacian industries of Eurasia. The closest similarities could be drawn with the complexes of Kulbulakien culture in Middle Asia and Kazakhstan. The Tuyana site is currently the most eastern occurrence of the Aurignacian culture in Eurasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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