Timing and Sedimentary Record of Late Quaternary Fluvio-Aeolian Successions of the Tura-Pyshma Interfluve (SW Western Siberia, Russia)

Oleg Sizov,Anna Volvakh,Alexandr Konstantinov,Anatoly Molodkov

doi:10.3390/geosciences10100396

Abstract

The sedimentary record of aeolian deposits and geomorphic features of the aeolian landforms of Northern Eurasia contain important information that allows us to better understand the climate and environments of the Late Glacial and Early Holocene periods. At the same time, the degree of scientific knowledge about the timing of aeolian activity, as well as the landscapes that existed during these periods, differs significantly for different parts of this vast territory. Data on the sedimentological record and age estimations of aeolian phases are practically absent for the periglacial zone of Western Siberia, in contrast to that of Europe. This paper presents the first data on the Late Quaternary fluvio-aeolian environments of the southwestern part of Western Siberia, using two sections as examples. Our methods included field investigations, analysis of grain-size and chemical composition, quartz grain morphoscopy and infrared optically stimulated luminescence (IR-OSL) and AMS dating. The obtained results show that aeolian sands are common covering deposits within the study area. Two stages of aeolian activity were identified: the first during the Boreal period (9.2–10.2 ka BP), and the second during the Atlantic period, beginning near 7 ka BP.

Highlights

Ancient inland dunes and aeolian coversands occupy significant areas within the periglacial zone of Northern Eurasia [1,2,3,4]
Ancient vegetated dunes of Western Siberia are mentioned in a map in the INQUA Dunes Atlas chronologic database [66], though no radiocarbon or luminescence dates are available for this vast territory
The lower fluvial complex in the bottom part of the section is composed of loose fine sand with cross-stratification of medium sand and ripple thin lamination of very fine sand or silty material

Summary

Introduction

Ancient inland dunes and aeolian coversands occupy significant areas within the periglacial zone of Northern Eurasia [1,2,3,4]. The present level of knowledge about the timing and paleogeographical context of aeolian sedimentation during the Late Glacial and Early Holocene periods varies significantly, depending on the exact region of Northern Eurasia that is studied [8]. In contrast to the abovementioned regions of Europe, data on the Late Glacial and Holocene aeolian activity for the territories of Asian Russia are very limited, vegetated ancient inland dunes and aeolian coversands are rather common within the boreal and subboreal zones in these parts of the country. Ancient vegetated dunes of Western Siberia are mentioned in a map in the INQUA Dunes Atlas chronologic database [66], though no radiocarbon or luminescence dates are available for this vast territory

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