Physical, chemical, and mineralogical characteristics of steppe paleosols of the ural region

Abstract

Investigation of paleosols with different ages of burial mounds and the unique fortified city of Arkhaim in the steppe zone of the Southern Trans-Urals (Chelyabinsk region) is carried out. They are located on the remnants of the Big Karaganka River valley. The time of construction of archaeological monuments dates back to the Early Iron Age (Sarmatian Culture, 2300–2200 years ago) and Middle Bronze Age (Sintashta culture, 3800–4100 years ago). The soils are of medium and light loamy granulometric composition. Morphological, chemical, and mineralogical investigations of paleosols and background soils indicate that, in the Sarmatian time, the climatic conditions in the region were drier than currently, while during the Sintashta cultural development, the climate of the region was similar to the present one.