Boreal Period Research Articles

East and West of the Carpathian Arc: Evidence of postglacial ecological and morpho-logical divergence of Phytoecia tigrina metapopulations (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae)

Phytoecia tigrina Mulsant (1851) is recognized as a species under strict protection EU Habitat Directive, it represents a focal point for conservation efforts across Europe. However, the dearth of comprehensive understanding regarding its biology, ecology, and geographical distribution poses formidable challenges to conservation endeavors. In the current study, we have delineated eight European and two Asian distinct metapopulations of Ph. tigrina across its geographic range, with a particular emphasis on elucidating its dispersion within the Circum-Carpathian region. This delineation serves to underscore the species' distribution, niche dimensions and limits of ecological tolerance that illuminate its adaptation capacity to diverse environmental conditions within the range. Our study has unveiled notable differentials in both morphological and ecological traits among Ph. tigrina metapopulations, notably between those located on the eastern and western flanks of the Carpathian Arc. Such differentials suggest the influence of divergent evolutionary trajectories, likely influenced by historical climatic changes during the Late Pleistocene and Holocene epochs. Significantly, specimens derived from eastern metapopulations exhibit morphological features of sufficient magnitude to warrant the proposition of a distinct subspecies, Phytoecia (Pilemia) tigrina podillica ssp. nov. This taxonomic delineation underscores the taxonomic complexity inherent within the Ph. tigrina species complex. Our investigations have further illuminated the historical dynamics of the species distribution, indicating the presence at least of two refugia during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). These refugial enclaves, situated in the Sea of Marmara/Eastern Aegean Sea region and the Pannonian Plain, likely played pivotal roles in shaping contemporary distributional patterns. Moreover, our ecological niche modeling endeavors have elucidated rapid expansions of suitable habitat for Ph. tigrina during post-glacial epochs, notably the Preboreal and Boreal periods. These expansions aligned with the rapid dispersion of its host plant Cynoglottis barrelieri supplying colonization of new territories in the face of the fast-changing post-glacial environment. Our study underscores the intricate interplay between evolutionary history, environmental dynamics, and imperatives for conservation Ph. tigrina. By elucidating these complexities, we endeavor to furnish a robust foundation for future conservation initiatives aimed at safeguarding this emblematic species and its associated habitats.

Holocene vegetation history of the Western Caucasus inferred from high-resolution pollen record from Lake Khuko

The paper presents the new paleoecological evidence for the last 10,000 years based on high resolution pollen record supported by detail radiocarbon dating, obtained from the Khuko Lake (Western Caucasus). The obtained results showed that change of vegetation corresponding main Holocene stages. 10368-10577 – 8000-8200 cal. yr BP – Boreal period was characterized in this region by the presence of both broad-leaved (Fagus, Ulmus) and coniferous (Abies) species to an equal. 8000-4400 cal. yr BP – Atlantic period was marked by predominance of broad-leaved forests have been formed mainly by beech and a little hornbeam. 4400-2600 cal. yr BP – Subboreal period is characterized by an increase in the role of boreal vegetation (Abies, Pinus). 2600 cal. yr BP up now – Subatlantic period looked like Atlantic period, but at this time declined value of coniferous species and grew value of alder and hazel.

The record of geochemical changes in the biogenic-calcareous sediments of a kettle-hole in a young glacial landscape (western Kashubian Lakeland, North Poland)

The paper was focused on the reconstruction of past-environmental conditions dynamics based on the geochemical characteristics of sediments filling kettle-hole located in the western part of the Kashubian Lakeland, North Poland). Stratigraphic variability of lithogeochemical constituents and a set of 13 elements (TOC, N, P, Na, Ca, Mg, K, Al, Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, Zn) were applied for Holocene reconstruction of certain processes and conditions in the studied kettle-hole. The detailed geochemical analysis allowed us to identify 6 phases in its development: Masz-1 stage covering sedimentation of sedge-moss peat over melting dead ice at the turn of the Preboreal and Boreal periods; Masz-2 stage of the initial phase of lake development with deep-water sedimentation; Late Boreal and Atlantic stage Masz-3 related to sedimentation of lacustrine chalk; Subboreal stage Masz-4 representing the beginning of lake terrestrialization; Subatlantic stage Masz-5 of lowland bog, and Masz-6 stage covering final phase of peatland evolution due to human activity. Principle component analysis highlighted the importance of two major factors controlling the geochemical variability of the studied sediments. These are the varied origin of supplying water reflected in the sedimentation of organic-calcareous sediments (PC1), and oxidative-reduction conditions determined by water level fluctuations (PC2).

Stratigraphy of peat deposits and mire development in the southernpart of the forest zone of Western Siberia in Holocene.

This article provides a historical review of the peatlands study in the Middle and South taiga, as well as Subtaiga zone of Western Siberia, and summarizes the data on the structure of peat deposits in mires of the region, accumulated by the senior author over many years of field research (1980-2004). The features of the main types of stratigraphic structure, as well as a description of the development history of peat mires, are given based on a detailed study of macrofossil composition of peat cores and peat sections. Peat cores were selected within the landscape-ecological profiles, covering all relief elements from the raised bogs of the watershed plains to the mires of river valleys and gullies of ancient water runoff in different climatic zones and subzones (Subtaiga, Southern taiga and Middle taiga). The oldest peat deposits are associated with the deep thalwegs and ancient hydrological system. Peat formation started simultaneously within the taiga zone and the present subarctic zone of Western Siberia and reached the high distribution level in Boreal period. The peatlands development process tightly followed the climate humidity in the wet periods, the watershed mires actively developed and floodplain mires development was constrained by the alluvial deposition process; in the dry periods, the floodplain mires developed actively and the watershed mires grow was stagnated.

VEGETATION AND CLIMATE CHANGES IN THE SOUTHERN URALS IN THE LATE GLACIAL AND HOLOCENE DERIVED FROM POLLEN RECORD OF LAKE BOLSHOE MIASSOVO<a href="#FN1"><sup>1</sup></a>

A spore-pollen analysis of a 526 cm sediment core retrieved from Lake Bolshoe Miassovo, Southern Urals, was carried out. The obtained data made it possible to reconstruct the vegetation cover in the lake’s catchment area and the climatic situation of the region for 13 400 cal yr BP, which significantly expands and complements the paleogeographic chronicle of the Southern Urals. It was found that in the range of 13 400–12 700 cal yr BP in the conditions of a relatively warm and dry climate of Allerød, periglacial forest-steppe formations were widespread in the studied region. Steppe herb communities and birch-pine sparse woodlands with spruce grew on open landscapes. The pine degradation and replacement of spruce with more cold-resistant larch was most likely caused by a cooling in the period of 12 700–11 700 cal yr BP, which corresponds to the Younger Dryas. The periglacial forest-steppe formations are replaced by birch forests since 11 700 cal yr BP. The significant changes in the vegetation cover of the lake’s catchment area indicate warming and humidification of the climate at the beginning of the Holocene. The dominance of birch forests in the interval of 11 300–10 300 cal yr BP, probably, corresponds to the second half of the Pre-Boreal period. The distribution of pine and spruce in the range of 10 300–8300 cal yr BP indicates a warming of climatic conditions in the Boreal period. Since 8400 cal yr BP the proportion of broad-leaved species in the tree stand increases. The broad-leaved species cover reached its peak between 6000–4500 cal yr BP at the end of the Atlantic - the beginning of the Sub-Boreal period (Holocene climatic optimum). Some cooling of the climate was observed in the range of 4500–2000 cal yr BP, which presumably corresponds to the Sub-Boreal and the beginning of the Sub-Atlantic period. The birch forest with spruce and broad-leaved species grew in the lake’s catchment area. Some aridization and warming of the climate in the Sub-Atlantic period in the range of 1800–1000 cal. yr BP led to an increase in the role of pine and a reduction of spruce in the area around the lake. Since 1800 cal yr BP the vegetation of the territory adjacent to Lake Bolshoe Miassovo was similar to the modern one: pine-birch forests with an admixture of dark coniferous and broad-leaved species prevailed on the territory.

Natural features and geological history of mount Vottovaara (Russian Stonehenge)

The article deals with the issues of physical and geographical features of the territory of Mount Vottovaara (which is the highest point of the West Karelian Upland) and its geological history. It is compared with one of the most famous attractions in the UK – Stonehenge Jam. Hypotheses of the origin and formation of this area are presented. The mountain keeps a large number of secrets, the main and most interesting among which are up to 1,600 individual stones located on its top – components of an ancient cult complex. They can be fully considered seids, many of which resemble unusual stone buildings, and according to a number of researchers who played a cult role and belonged to the culture of the ancient Sami. One of the hypotheses of the origin of the Votovaara seids connects them with the manifestation of glacial exaration processes during the periods of ancient glaciations. Another explains the presence of numerous traces of paleoseismic dislocations by a strong catastrophic palaeo-earthquake that occurred at the end of the Preboreal – the beginning of the Boreal period due to the degradation of the Late Valdai (Ostashkovsky) glaciation and the тrapid removal of glacial load. There is also a hypothesis, partly related to the ancient mythology of a Worldwide Flood, or a catastrophic flood of universal scale. According to one version, it could have happened due to the fall of a large meteorite in the area of the Philippine Sea. The tangential impact of the meteorite led to a shift of the solid earth’s crust along the surface of the liquid mantle, and the shock wave passing through the earth’s crust (compression wave) formed a ridge on the territory of modern Karelia, which includes Vottovaara. Finally, there is a version of the formation of the massif as a result of a powerful volcanic eruption that occurred several million years ago.

New find of a Mesolithic antler axe from western Poland

In 2017, a man fishing in the Oder River accidentally discovered an antler-base axe in the village of Domaszków, Lower Silesian Voivodeship. In-depth study of the axe included analysis of the traces on its surface, radiocarbon dating and paleogenetic analysis, and concluded with the tool’s conservation. Most of the traces casting light on the techniques used in its crafting had been eroded by intensive water action. The axe was made from the unshed red deer antler. Among the preserved marks we note pointed depressions made during the separation of the antler beam, traces where the brow and bay tines were cut off, and concentric rings from the drilling of the perforation. A small scar on the axe’s blade was identified as resulting from the tool’s use. Radiocarbon dating placed the origins of the axe in Boreal period. Such tools are known from western Poland and the north-western European Mesolithic as well as from the Neolithic and the Early Bronze Age.

Kosinsky Mesolithic sites in the context of the history of the natural environment of the upper Kama region in the Late Glacial and early Holocene

The article presents the results of interdisciplinary (archaeological and palaeoecological) studies conducted in 20182021 in the northern part of the Perm Territory at the confluence of the Kosa and Lolog rivers. The main objects of research were the sites of the Mesolithic period and the natural environment of the Late Glacial and Early Holocene. To identify the confinement of archaeological sites to certain landforms within the river valley, the paleochannel method was used. As a result, 2 terraces and a Holocene floodplain were identified. For paleoenvironmental reconstruction palynological and paleocarpological methods were used. The radiocarbon method was used to create a chronological basis for the area of work. The study of the economic activities of Mesolithic groups was based on osteological analysis. In the Late Glacial period the study area was not yet inhabited by ancient people due to unfavorable natural environments. The settlement started only in the second half of the Boreal period of the Holocene, after the formation of the second terrace and the spread of taiga pine and birch forests with the participation of spruce. By this time, the sites of Kosa I and II, located on the banks of the Lolog river were inhabited. The population was mostly engaged in hunting and partly fishing. The natural environments at the beginning of the Atlantic period of the Holocene were still favorable for the existence of human groups here. Formation of the first terrace in the Lolog valley contributed to the colonization of this territory too. The Kosa III site dates back to this time, which population was still mainly engaged in hunting, and probably also fishing. Later, due to the continued lateral migration of the Kosa and Lolog river beds to the east and the emergence of waterlogged floodplains, people left this area and began to inhabit it again only in the Late Holocene.

New radiocarbon dates for ornamented Mesolithic objects from north-west Poland: chronology and regional connections in the western Baltic region

During the northern European Mesolithic, new types of objects were ornamented with different geometric motifs. Many examples, however, are stray finds and their dating is poorly understood. The authors present new AMS radiocarbon dates for ornamented artefacts from Pomerania that contribute to an absolute chronology of Mesolithic art and allow for new consideration of connections between cultural groups in the western Baltic region. A baton, featuring an anthropomorphic figure, dates to the end of the Boreal period; three other objects date to the early Atlantic period, revealing a combination of regional and local innovations. The results demonstrate the value of absolute dating of stray finds for refining knowledge of wider cultural trends.

Assessment of forest fires influence on chemical and microbiological properties of hydromorphic soils in northern part of Sym-Dubchessk interfluve (Krasnoyarsk territory)

The subject of the study are three raised bogs located in the vicinity of the Sredneeniseyskya monitoring station of the V. N. Sukachev Institute of Forest SB RAS (Krasnoyarsk Territory), which were affected by fires in different periods of time. It is shown that the bogs differed in thickness and age of peat, the amount of accumulated macro charcoal particles along the soil profiles. The age of the lower peat horizons showed that bog formation in the studied area started at different times: from the second half of the Boreal period of the Holocene to the Subatlantic period. The content of charcoal showed that the pyrogenic activity during the Holocene was different. The morphological structure and chemical properties of peat soils have changed in the pyrogenic horizons of all the sites, compared with non-pyrogenic ones. They are depleted of carbon and nitrogen, enriched in ash elements. The content of microbial biomass (MB) and basal respiration (BR) rate is low due to a lack of organic matter, the microbial trophy is disturbed, and the restoration of microbial activity is extremely slow. The main role in the transformation of pyrogenic horizons was assigned to bacteria, while fungal activity was significantly lower.

Holocene and recent fires influence on soil organic matter, microbiological and physico-chemical properties of peats in the European North-East of Russia

The influence of fires on the development and chemical composition of two Rheic Hemic Histosols in the native territory of the middle taiga of the Komi Republic was estimated. The development of peat on site I (SI) located in the south boarder of the middle taiga began in the Boreal period (about nine ths. years ago14C yr BP). The growth of peat on site II (SII) located at the foothills of the Northern Urals started in the middle of the Atlantic Holocene period (about 6.7 ths. years ago14C yr BP). This work shows that during the time of development, peatlands experienced various pyrogenic events. The organic horizons were burned out and often led to a change in the dominant ground cover plants. Also, the charcoal particles formed during the fire at the forest surrounding the bogs were transported by air and accumulated in the peat. The pyrogenic history of the studied peats is different, the SI was subjected to intense fires at least twice: at the beginning of formation and in the modern period (140 years ago). The Histosol on SII experienced only low-intensity and indirect fire effect. The highest burning activity of nearest forests in both sites estimated based on charcoal content occurred at the end of the Atlantic, middle of the Subboreal periods. It was shown that an increase in the aromatic compounds occurs in horizons with pyrogenic features; in some cases, an increase in the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was revealed. The aromatic compounds content in the SOM is determined by the content of macroscopic charcoal particles with significant correlation (CAr-H(C), R = 0.49, p < 0.05, CAr-O,N, R = 0.68, p < 0.05). It is shown that a high frequency of fires leads to an increase in carbon stocks at Histosols.

Remains of a Late Neolithic settlement from site 7 in Krzyż Wielkopolski 7

The research conducted at site 7 in Krzyż Wielkopolski has provided evidence of long-term occupation of this area from the Late Palaeolithic (Sviderian) to the modern era. Undoubtedly the most intensive occupation is related to the Early Mesolithic communities of the Preboreal and Boreal Periods. However, pottery fragments, flint tools, and perhaps also belemnite artefacts, all associated with societies of the Corded Ware culture, prove Late Neolithic settlement at the site. That is the focus of this article. Based on the macroscopic analysis of pottery fragments, two technological groups were distinguished, suggesting heterogeneity of the collection. This may indicate at least two stages of settlement related to Corded Ware culture communities.

Holocene dynamics of a relict moss complex in the Korotovskoe mire (State Complex «Zavidovo», Russia)

The Korotovskoe mire in the National Park «State complex “Zavidovo”» is the only mire massif in the Moscow Region (Russia) where the postglacial relict complex of vascular plants (e.g. Betula humilis, Pedicularis sceptrum-carolinum, Saxifraga hirculus, Trichophorum alpinum) and mosses (e.g. Cinclidium stygium, Drepanocladus trifarius, Hamatocaulis vernicosus, Meesia triquetra, Paludella squarrosa, Scorpidium scorpioides, S. cossonii, Tomentypnum nitens) is maximally saved. This complex is typical for spring fens. We studied the main stages of the mire development during the last 10 000 years using the analysis of macroremains and radiocarbon analysis. It was shown that despite the instability of the water regime on the mire, minerotrophic mosses were found in the most peat layers. This fact confirms the stability of mineral water inflow during the early and middle Holocene. Meesia triquetra and Drepanocladus trifarius live on the mire since the Boreal period. During the Atlantic and Subboreal period (when the mire surface dried out) there was a very slow peat deposition and the mire was covered by trees, together with a decrease in minerotrophic mosses in the vegetation cover. Scorpidium cossonii, Hamatocaulis vernicosus and Drepanocladus sendtnerii emerge during peat deposits in the Subboreal period after the water regime restoration and the returning of swamp conditions. In the last 2000 years, the surface of the mire was covered by Sphagnum mosses. During the meso-oligotrophic stage of the mire development, mosses demanding a rich mineralisation remained in other parts of the mire, where conditions of rich mineral nutrition lasted longer. Limiting factors of this moss complex during the early and middle Holocene were light and level of mire waters, whereas, in the late Holocene, it was oligotrophisation of the upper peat layers because of a rapid deposition of organic matter. The complex of relict minerotrophic mosses currently existing on mires in the centre of European Russia can be considered as relicts of the glacial time, and, at the same time, as relicts of spring fens, which were more widespread in the early and middle Holocene and gradually having lost their importance as a result of autogenic succession. The obtained data indicate the great nature conservation value of the Korotovskoe mire massif.

Особенности заселения средней и нижней Печоры в древности и средневековье (на примере археологических микрорайонов)

Using the example of several archaeological microregions located in various natural and climatic zones of the Pechora River basin, the patterns of settling of ancient collectives in various land-scapes of the Pechora and Izhma river valleys for several thousand years are considered. The analy-sis of archaeological sources, data of paleogeographic reconstructions and the spatial distribution of ancient sites is given. It is concluded that the concentration of archaeological sites in the river valley areas within which the life support systems of the ancient population was most effective was an im-portant part of the settlement system in different epochs. A relatively high population density in the archaeological microregions of the Middle Pechora basin was revealed in the Mesolithic, Eneolithic-Bronze and Early Iron Age epochs, which corresponds to the Boreal and Subboreal periods of the Holocene. The archaeological microregions of the Lower Pechora of the Middle Ages were inha-bited during the climatic optimum of the sub-Atlantic period. Hunting and fishing formed the basis of the life support systems of the population of the microregions of the Middle Pechora basin. For the Mesolithic sites of the Izhma-Tom microregion, the seasonality of habitats was revealed for the first time. On the Lower Pechora, the formation of medieval archaeological microregions occurred in places with an advantageous military-strategic position. Medieval settlements of archaeological microregions of the Pechora Polar region are characterized by the presence of fortifications, a variety of economic activities of their population, including metallurgy and metalworking; trade and ex-change relations with the ancient Russian population have been traced.

Land snail fauna and Holocene environmental changes in Mediterranean France: A digest from three representative sedimentary sequences

The Holocene terrestrial malacofauna of the northern shore of the Mediterranean remains poorly known. Its importance however is twofold, first to better understand the recolonization of Europe by woodland snails from different kinds of glacial refugia, secondly to bring to light the development of Mediterranean ecosystems. This paper is based on molluscan analyses of three sedimentary sequences from a catchment basin near Aix-en-Provence, all of which being representative of the most common pedo-sedimentary and malacological postglacial successions in southeastern France. A special effort has been made to establish the chronology. The results first show the lasting of temperate steppes, lasting in places all the way into the Boreal period (∼9000 cal yr BP). Less open environments appeared soon after with assemblages including thermophilic species. The Boreal period shows unstable conditions in an open and heterogeneous woodland landscape. A malacofauna indicating true woodland developed during the Older Atlantic (∼8000 cal yr BP). Dominated by “semi-forest” snails, it still contained some xerophilic ones. These assemblages lost their true woodland character between ∼7000 and ∼6500 cal yr BP due to anthropogenic influence. An increase in human activity and merchandise flow within a more open landscape caused a progressive but deep turnover of land snail communities since the Early Neolithic. It must be admitted that, during the Holocene as a whole, Mediterranean ecosystems remained heterogeneous and frequently open. The human impact is such that it is difficult to discuss the role of climate since ∼7000 cal yr BP.

The Nature and the Man During the Early Neolithic in the Tobol-Ishim Interfluve

Natural conditions and their changes in the late Boreal – early Atlantic period (from ∼8200 to 7700 cal. yr BP) of the Holocene in the Tobol-Ishim interfluve are analyzed based on palynological and zoological materials obtained from archaeological and natural sections and bottom sediments, as well as on the analysis of the hypsographic position of settlements situated on the shores of Lake Mergen (Ishim District of Tyumen Region) where plane-bottomed and round-bottomed Early Neolithic dishes were found. According to author’s reconstruction, the climatic indicators and hydrological regime of Lake Mergen during that part of the Holocene were unstable. The altitude of ancient settlements, the proportion of steppe and forest flora and fauna changed. There were fluctuations in average annual temperatures and the amount of precipitations. The same territory was inhabited by both “local” species and mammals and birds whose habitats fell outside of the region. An Irish Elk (Megaloceros giganteus) of the Pleistocene era was found in the area under consideration. In the late Boreal period, when the water level in the lake was high, people built settlements on floodplain terraces. When the flooding diminished and the seasonal floods ceased, people began to settle on floodplains near the water. Two episodes of aridization can be singled out based on geochemical indicators of bottom sediments of Lake Kyrtyma. One episode was long and had a peak about 6200 cal. yr BP (optimum), another one occurred in the middle of the Sub-Boreal period and was shorter. The informational capacity of geochemical data, as well as that of spore/pollen indicators, is low (at least 100 years) and doesn't reflect short-term paleoclimatic events. The whole spectrum of data should be applied in order to reflect such events. In particular, hypsometric characteristics of ancient settlements are of great importance, because people react to changes in the hydrological regime faster than the flora and fauna do.

Intensified Moisture Sources of Heavy Precipitation Events Contributed to Interannual Trend in Precipitation Over the Three-Rivers-Headwater Region in China

Evidence has indicated an overall wetting trend over the Three-Rivers Headwater Region (TRHR) in the recent decades, whereas the possible mechanisms for this change remain unclear. Detecting the main moisture source regions of the water vapor and its increasing trend over this region could help understand the long-term precipitation change. Based on the gauge-based precipitation observation analysis, we find that the heavy precipitation events act as the main contributor to the interannual increasing trend of summer precipitation over the TRHR. A Lagrangian moisture tracking methodology is then utilized to identify the main moisture source of water vapor over the target region for the boreal summer period of 1980–2017, with focus particularly on exploring its change associated with the interannual trend of precipitation. On an average, the moisture sources for the target regions cover vast regions, including the west and northwest of the Tibetan Plateau by the westerlies, the southwest by the Indian summer monsoon, and the adjacent regions associated with the local recycling. However, the increased interannual precipitation trend over the TRHR could be largely attributed to the enhanced moisture sources from the neighboring northeastern areas of the targeted region, particularly associated with the heavy precipitation events. The increased water vapor transport from the neighboring areas of the TRHR potentially related to the enhanced local hydrological recycling over these regions plays a first leading role in the recent precipitation increase over the TRHR.

Multidisciplinary Researches of Nebyshino 1 Site at the Upper Reaches of the Berezina River in 2018–2019

Comprehensive multidisciplinary research was held in 2018–2019 at Nebyshino 1 site located in the Dokshitsky district, Vitebsk region, Belarus. The analysis archaeological materials obtained during excavations made along the mineral edge of the butte and in the peaty part of the settlement were supplemented by archaeobotanical study, analysis of the osteological materials, and radiocarbon dating of wood and bone remains from the cultural horizon. The analysis of Nebyshino 1 flint artifacts and synchronization with the dating of the osteological samples made it possible to consider the preboreal and boreal periods as the main stages in the functioning of the settlement. The flint collection of Nebyshino 1 displays similarities with the flint inventory of the Zamosh’e settlement (Verkhnedvinski district, Vitebsk region), located in the basin of the Western Dvina. The cultural attribution of the archaeological materials of Nebyshino 1 presupposes that the site is related to the Kunda culture. At present time the absolute chronology of Nebyshino 1 site can be considered within the framework of the Preboreal — Atlanticum, since the lower chronological boundary (the second half of the Alleroid — Late Dryas) requires archaeological and palynological confirmation. The upper boundary of the settlement is determined by two dates corresponding to the second half of the Atlantic period, and by the presence in the cultural horizon a small number of fragments of Early Neolithic pottery of the Narva culture.

A LATE MESOLITHIC FORAGER DISPERSAL CAUSED PRE‐AGRICULTURAL DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION IN NORWAY

SummaryPopulation growth has always played a key role in human mobility, even before the age of farming and husbandry. This paper explores population dynamics among early Holocene (∼9500–1700 cal BCE) hunter‐fisher‐gatherers in Southern Norway, focusing in particular on the Mesolithic‐Neolithic transition (4000/3900 cal BCE). Radiocarbon dates are calibrated and turned into summed probability distributions (SPDs). A heuristic linear method is used to calculate annual growth rates from the SPDs. Observed fluctuations in the SPDs are tested for significance by applying a Monte Carlo‐based simulation method. The paper finds evidence of a steady growth rate from the Boreal period until a sudden population trough at ∼4330–4300 cal BCE. The trough coincides with indications from the archaeological record of a dispersal of hunter‐fisher‐gatherers from Southern Scandinavia to Norway. The dispersal was likely an effect of lowered habitat suitability and social stress caused by population pressure among Southern Scandinavian hunter‐fisher‐gatherers. In Southern Norway, the proxy data show that the trough enabled a subsequent ‘boom’ in population and the emergence of regional technological innovations that define the Mesolithic‐Neolithic transition.

Ранний - средний голоцен северного Сахалина

New palynological and radiocarbon data obtained from sections of two ancient peatbogs permitted to specify the landscape and climatic changes in the nature of the first half of the Holocene on the southern outskirts of North Sakhalin. The Early Holocene was generally colder and drier in comparison with modern climatic conditions. The vegetation cover was dominated by larch/birch forests with the shrub birch undergrowth. In the middle of the Boreal Period (9000-8400 yrs. BP / 10,100-9300 Cal. yrs. BP), the climate became significantly warmer and slightly wetter, yet remaining drier than the modern one. Birch forests with the presence of broad-leaved and dark coniferous tree species were widespread. In the initial phase of the Atlantic Period (probably 7800-7500 yrs. BP / 8800-8300 Cal. yrs. BP), in the climatic conditions warmer and much more humid than modern ones, the first expansion of spruce/fir forests occurred. The second half of the early and first half of the middle phase of the Atlantic Period (7500-6500 yrs. BP / 8300-7400 Cal. yrs. BP) were distinguished by decreased humidity and further warming of the climate, which resulted in dominating birch forests, subordinate spruce/fir taiga, and a lot of deciduous forests. There were two cold episodes at the beginning and in the middle of this stage. The first of them, about 7300 yrs. BP / 8100 Cal. yrs. BP, was dry and provided the return of birch/larch forests. The second, about 7100 yrs. BP / 7900 Cal. yrs. BP, had a more humid climate, which caused an increase in the role of dark coniferous taiga and a weakening of birch forests. In the second half of the middle and, possibly, the beginning of the late phase of the period (probably 6500-5400 yrs. BP / 7400-6200 Cal. yrs. BP), spruce/fir forests with participation of broad-leaved tree spread. They developed in a warmer and more humid climate, similar to the current climate in the south of the Sakhalin Island and close to the optimal climatic conditions of the post-glacial time. The middle of the Late Atlantic Period, about 5300 yrs. BP / 6100 Cal. yrs. BP, was marked by the second, maximum expansion of spruce/ fir forests, due to the onset of the cool and, possibly, the wettest episode in the Middle Holocene.