Geologicheskii Vestnik

The results of a complex biostratigraphical study, supported by radiocarbon dates, make it possible to reconstruct the following paleo-conditions in the Late Neopleistocene and Holocene on the territory around the Sikiyaz-Tamak cave complex. Late Neopleistocene. During the Chermenino-Kalinin period, open spaces with Artemisia-Chenopodiaceae and Poaceae-herbage associations accompanied by Ephedra dominated. Small forests consisted of Picea, Pinus and Betula. The climate was cool. During the Leningrad time, there was an increase in the areas of Picea and Picea-Pinus forests with an admixture of broadleaved and small-leaved species. Open spaces were occupied by Artemisia-Chenopodiaceae and Poaceae-herbage associations. At that time, the vegetation cover was very close to modern one, the climate was moderately warm and more humid during the summer months than now. At the end of the Pleistocene during the last glaciation (Ostashkovo time), forest-steppe landscapes were spread. Open areas were occupied by herbs with an admixture of Chenopodiaceae, Artemisia and Poaceae. The areas of Picea forests decreased, the role of pines increased. In general, deterioration of vegetation growth conditions was noted, which is related to the general cooling of the climate. In all Late Neoplestocene faunas the species of open landscapes dominated. Species associated with trees and shrubs were few. The same ecological fauna composition indicates similar natural conditions during the formation of the enclosing layers. Holocene. During the Early Holocene forest-steppe landscapes continued to exist in the conditions of a cool climate. Later, during the Middle and Late Holocene due to the gradual warming, pine and birch forests with an admixture of spruce, fir, larch, elm, linden, oak, alder and willow predominated. The role of herbaceous vegetation declined sharply and during this period it was represented mainly by herbs and Artemisia. The remains of a squirrel were found in the Holocene fauna, which indicates the coniferous forests existence during the late Middle–Late Holocene in the cave surroundings. The Late Holocene mollusс species ecological preferrences suggest that the slope where the cave is located was most likely covered by mixed forest, shrubs and dense grassy vegetation, where high humidity was maintained, but at the same time the slope was warm enough for the steppe plants existence.

Southern Urals, Upper Pleistocene, stratigraphy, caves, palynology, molluscs, mammals, archaeology

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