Paleogeographical reconstructions of the environment on the Karelian shore of the White Sea (Keret Area, Russia)

Abstract

Archeological sites of ancient people have been identified on the Karelian coast of the White Sea, near the mouth of the Keret River. The aim of our studies was to determine the position of the sea shoreline, correlate archeological sites with it, date ancient settlements, and reconstruct the paleoclimatic conditions and habitats of ancient people. We analyzed the bottom sediments of five small lakes that became separated from the sea at various times during the Holocene, using a combination of Quaternary geological methods such as spore-pollen, diatoms, radiocarbon (14C), etc. New data have been obtained regarding the timing when the study area resurfaced and the possibility of its subsequent habitation by humans. We have generated q curve illustrating the relative displacement of the White Sea coastline, thus reconstructing the migration of the sea coastline. The article also presents parameters detailing the differentiated movements of various blocks of the crystalline basement along the Karelian coast of the White Sea. Additionally, we produced paleogeographic reconstructions describing the natural conditions of the habitat of ancient people and the development of the territory from the beginning of the Holocene to the present day. Our findings indicate that people likely began inhabiting this area no earlier than 6500 years ago. Furthermore, we propose that a potential catastrophic event, such as a tsunami)= resulting from an earthquake near Veliky Island and the Velikaya Salma Strait (Kandalaksha Bay), occurred no earlier than 2600–3000 years ago.