Geomorphological Position Research Articles

Origin and properties of kaolinites from soils of a toposequence in Southern Brazil

ABSTRACT Kaolinite is the main clay mineral in most soils around the world and has been widely used for industrial purposes. This research aimed to study chemical, morphological and crystallographic characteristics of kaolinite, and establish the origin of kaolinitic samples on Serra do Mar and kaolinitic layers on peatlands, located at Southern Brazil. Samples were collected on different geomorphological positions: two samples at Serra do Mar (kaolinitic saprolite – SAP, and kaolinitic layers - KL); and two cores at the peatland with Sapric Histosols from Quaternary sedimentary basin. Granulometry and total organic carbon (TOC) were determined in soil samples. Kaolinite in silt and clay fractions was studied by chemical extractions, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis (DTA/TG), and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy – SEM/EDS. Chemical and mineralogical characteristics of kaolinite were divided into two groups, according to the particle size and the location of the deposit in the relief. Silt fraction: i) SAP – genesis mainly derived from mica weathering; ii) peatland, containing pseudomorph crystals smaller than those found in Serra do Mar; Clay fraction: i) Serra do Mar – there was a larger contribution of K-feldspar weathering in the genesis of kaolinite from KL in relation to SAP; ii) peatland – the stronger weathering and the hydromorphic conditions resulted in less neoformed crystalline kaolinites. For both environments, the substitution of Al 3+ by Fe 3+ into the octahedral sheet led to a reduction in the mineral thickness and also increased the occurrence of structural deformations in clay kaolinite. Kaolinite in peatland is a combination of the following genesis processes: transportation from Serra do Mar (mainly in the silt fraction) and; formation in situ through neogenesis process (dominant in the clay fraction).

Late Pleistocene and Holocene sediments of Lake Chukhlomskoye

The paper discusses the structure of the bottom sediments of Lake Chukhlomskoye (Kostroma region, Russia). The results of complex lithological analysis and 14C AMS dating (TOC) of the sediments revealed in two boreholes located in different geomorphological positions of the bottom relief allowed to reconstruct stages and conditions of sedimentation in the lake. Mass accumulation rate (MAR) was calculated. High values of MAR correspond to 25.4–17.5 cal ka BP (up to 0.192 g/cm2 per year), a sharp decrease of MAR corresponds to 17.9–16.7 cal ka BP, and another stage of sediment influx occurred in Younger Dryas. Holocene MAR is low (0.001–0.053 g/cm2 per year).

Integrated Assessment of the Geomorphological Hazard of the Mining Territories within the Baikal Region

Abstract—A method for calculating the complex index of the eco-geomorphological hazard of mining territories according to their influence on the ecological situation in the Baikal region is proposed. The described approach makes it possible to characterize in detail the consequences of mining for the ecological situation in the region. The proposed assessment takes into account not only the area of disturbed lands, but also other factors affecting the possibility of transport of pollutants and the degree of their hazard (in particular, the type of raw material extracted, the geomorphological position of the mining territories, the degree of the anthropogenic transformation of landscapes, the composition of anthropogenic deposits and the degree of reclamation of disturbed lands). To test the methodology, the complex index of the eco-geomorphological hazard of lands disturbed by mining was calculated for municipalities of the Baikal region for 2020. Municipalities were ranked according to the value of the complex index and a corresponding map was compiled.

Les sites Stone Age du Parc national du Niokolo-Koba, Sénégal : synthèse des données de terrains (1982–2003)

First investigations in the Niokolo-Koba National Park were undertaken in 1969 and conducted by the IFAN Archaeology laboratory (directed by Cyr Descamps) and the Geography laboratory with Christian Barbey, after the collection of a cupule stone by the director of the Park (A. Dupuy). The amateur prehistorian Dr. Gaillard also reported the presence of flakes in the Bafoulabé alluvium. These first collections of prehistoric tools, knapped mainly on jasper and jasper facies chert, were collected in the reworked levels of gravel under the bank (last and lowest alluvial level), in the minor bed of the Gambia (Gué de Bafoulabé) and Niokolo-Koba (at Passage du Koba and in a ravine, opposite the Niokolo camp). The surveys conducted between 1983 and 1984, and the excavation between 1982 and 2003 in the Falémé valley confirmed the identity of the geomorphological and stratigraphic scheme of the lower valley of the Falémé and the Middle Gambia at the crossing of the National Park of Niokolo-Koba. This research also allowed the observation of numerous new prehistoric sites, which confirm the previous data while showing the existence of industries in stratigraphic and geomorphological positions similar to those found in the Falémé valley. A final visit inside the Park in 2003 allowed to precise the GPS coordinates of the former manual locations (between 1982 and 1986). Three Stone Age periods were identified: the Acheulean, the Middle Stone Age, formerly known as the Mousteroid, and the Later Stone Age, formerly known as the Advanced/Final Palaeolithic. The present work takes up previous data presented in mission reports or master's theses in order to place Niokolo-Koba National Park in the major issues of West African prehistoric settlements.

New Data on the Lower Paleolithic of Tajikistan: Materials of Lakhuti IV, Trench 3

Purpose. The paper presents a description of the stratigraphic and planigraphic situation at the excavation 3 of the Lakhuti IV site (Khovaling loess plateau, Tajikistan) recorded during field work in 2022.Results. The cross-section has 18 layers grouped into three strata: L6 glacial period sediments (MIS 14), 6a and 6b soil complexes (MIS 15). The identified technocomplexes belong to the late Karatau culture of the Lower Paleolithic of Tajikistan. The level 5.2 planigraphy indicates that the investigated area could be a fragment of a workshop site where primary processing of stone raw materials was carried out. The layer L6 artefacts indicates that the region was continuously developed by humans, and glacial conditions in the Middle Pleistocene affected the intensity of these processes only.Conclusions. The closest analogues to the late Karatau complexes can be traced in the Soan pebble-flake industries of the Northern Hindustan. They have a similar age to Tajik materials (second half of the Middle Pleistocene), geomorphological position (deposits of high terraces in the upper reaches of the Indus, Soan, and other rivers in the Himalayas foothill zone), a similar raw material base (river alluvium). Also they have a number of technical and typological characteristics, which include: citron and radial knapping; a higher percentage of large flakes and “citrons”; choppers, simple side-scrapers and unifaces in tool-kits; lack of bifacial technique. As a result of a new stage in the study of the Lower Paleolithic complexes in the region, authors proposed a new model, according to which the region was continuously developed by hominins, and glacial conditions mainly influenced the intensity of these processes.

A Complex of Stratifi ed Upper Paleolithic Sites in the Foothills of the Northern Tien Shan: General Data and Research Perspectives

This article examines the key cultural trends and events in the evolution of the Upper Paleolithic in the foothills of the Northern Tien Shan (Zailisky Alatau, Kazakhstan). It outlines the history of Paleolithic studies in southeastern Kazakhstan. We describe the geographic characteristics of the region, the geomorphological positions of sites, and features of sedimentation that infl uenced the preservation of cultural remains in situ. Archaeological materials from key Upper Paleolithic sites are reviewed, including those from stratifi ed sites—Maibulak, Rakhat, and Uzynagash-1, -2. Lithic industries and absolute dates suggest that Maibulak was permanently inhabited during the Early, Middle, and probably Late Upper Paleolithic, materials from the early stages being the most expressive. Early Upper Paleolithic industries display Aurignacian-like characteristics and are paralleled by certain Western Eurasian industries of the same age. The multicomponent site of Rakhat was peopled during the end of the Early Upper Paleolithic, in the Middle Upper Paleolithic, and at the beginning of the Late Upper Paleolithic, documenting the evolution of Upper Paleolithic cultures during the ~30–23 cal ka BP interval. The industries of Rakhat include an Aurignacianlike one, a Middle Upper Paleolithic complex with micro-Gravette-like points, and one with geometric artifacts shaped as scalene triangles. For the fi rst time, results of excavations and prospects of future studies at the new sites Uzynagash-1 and -2, dating to the late Early Upper Paleolithic, are outlined. We conclude that Upper Paleolithic cultures (or industries) of the foothills of the Northern Tien Shan are original, while following a single vector with the Upper Paleolithic of Western Eurasia.

MORPHO-PEDOLOGY VARIATIONS IN A PRE-SAHARAN REGION CASE ZIBAN SOILS

During this study, we tried to highlight the main lines of the spatial evolution of the morpho-pedological characters of certain soils, on a sequence established from the geomorphological map in the region. Biskra is an Oasis located in the North-Eastern Sahara of Algeria. After a long prospection, we have established two sequences of soils which have different morphological characteristics. These variations are mainly due to the geomorphological position of the terrain and the favorable hydrological aspect in the first sequence to the formation of gypsum soils compared to the second.

Rationale for alternative water sources for mining regions with high environmental footprint on the example of Levikha village of the Sverdlovsk region

Introduction. Mine drainage has always been one of the main threats to the hydrosphere of mining areas, both during and after active mining. The most common method of mine water neutralization is associated with the slaked lime. On the abandoned Levikha copper-sulphide mine territory (Sverdlovsk region), acid mine drainage discharge reaches 3,000 m³/day. To neutralize acid waters, more than 400 m³/day of water with a neutral pH is required (to produce the slaked lime). Due to the worn out state of water pipe from the river Tagil, heavy losses, and frequent accidents, the neutralization station receives no more than half of the required amount of water. As a result, the neutralization technology is violated, acid mine drainage is not properly cleaned, the regulatory requirements for wastewater are not achieved, and sulfate waters with increased mineralization and metal concentrations are discharged into the river Tagil. Research objective is to substantiate the possibility of finding sources of drinking, household and process water supply for Levikha village and acid mine drainage neutralization stations by applying groundwater. Methods of research include a comprehensive approach containing research results analysis and field and laboratory research data processing. Results and discussion. Promising areas have been identified representing private catchment areas of potential water intakes with the most favorable conditions for underground runoff. A combination of the following factors was the criterion for promising areas and load points: favorable geological and tectonic conditions (the presence of tectonic faults); groundwater inflow testing results (relatively high specific flow rates of wells); geomorphological position (confinement to low relief areas, location near surface sources of groundwater recharge); hydrochemical sampling data (satisfactory chemical composition of groundwater); sanitary and hygienic situation (absence of potential sources of pollution in the local catchment area). Conclusions. The total resources of the five promising sites are 1,340 m3 /day, including 282 m3 /day for drinking purposes. Exploration and development of promising areas no. II (favorable geological and tectonic conditions within it are confirmed by the groundwater inflow testing results) and no. III (favorable sanitary and hygienic conditions) seem to be the most reasonable. These sites might cover half of the village water needs for drinking and household purposes.

Soil inorganic carbon distribution, stocks and environmental thresholds along a major climatic gradient

Soil inorganic carbon (SIC) is an important component of total terrestrial carbon stocks. However, compared to soil organic carbon, our understanding of its spatial distribution and drivers is relatively poor. In the literature, the ratio of precipitation to evapotranspiration is usually cited as the main driver of SIC distribution worldwide, but confounding factors make it difficult to assess this relationship. Chile has a unique geography with a large climatic gradient along a relatively homogeneous geological setting, which is why it is considered a natural laboratory. We collected a dataset of 511 soil profiles from the literature and modelled the SIC content using climatic and relief information within the digital soil mapping framework. We used SHAP to determine if the model captured sound relationships and to estimate the marginal contribution of each covariate to the model output. We estimated a total SIC stock to 1 metre depth around 1.4 Pg. Additionally, we found three total annual precipitation thresholds of spatial and pedological significance at 20, 250 and 500 mm total annual precipitation (TAP). Below 20 mm, SIC tends to be low in abundance and on the surface, contrary to reports in current global studies that overestimate SIC content in hyperarid regions. Between 20 and 250 mm SIC is ubiquitous in the landscape, occurring in all geomorphological positions. Between 250 and 500 mm TAP, SIC occurs in flat and concave parts of the landscape and almost disappears on slopes. A clear threshold occurs at 500 mm TAP, above which the concentration of SIC decreases rapidly. This work provides a model of carbonate distribution in a climatic gradient that covers almost the entire range of precipitation on the planet, contributing to a better understanding of the spatial variability of an essential component of the carbon cycle.

The Final Early Paleolithic of Azerbaijan (Based on the Garaja Site)

We descriЬe new findings relating to an Early Paleolithic site of Garaja on the Mingachevir Reservoir coast, Azerbaijan. Geological and geomorphological position of the area, structure of the Early–Middle Pleistocene deposits, faunal remains, and chronology are discussed. On the basis of geological characteristics and paleofauna (large mammals, mollusks) we tentatively date the site to the Bakunian age (0.8–0.4 Ma years ago). Artifacts, some 350 in number, found mainly on the surface, but reliably associated with lithological units, are described in detail. Primary reduction is dominated Ьy parallel fiaking, with occasional radial and "citron" cleavage. Most tools, made on peЬЬles and large fiakes, are large (handaxes, choppers, and side-scrapers). While the Garaja industry is generally homogeneous, the stratigraphic situation of the site and certain elements of technocomplex, such as solitary Levallois cores, a Quina scraper, and advanced forms of bifaces, indicate the presence of two chronologically and technologically successive complexes within the general Late Acheulean industrial tradition. Garaja correlates with other cave and open-air industries of the East and South Caucasus and adjoining regions dating to the first half of the Middle Pleistocene.

The Iskorost Site and its Place in the Stine Age of Ukraine: Historiographical, Typological and Technological Aspects

The Palaeolithic legacy of V. Khvoika consists of three discovered and researched sites: Kyiv-Kyrylivska, Protasiv Yar (Kyiv), and Iskorost (Korosten, Zhytomyr Oblast). The Kyiv-Kyrylivska site gained the most publicity due to the large excavation area, clear and more understandable stratigraphy, and the representativeness of the collection of stone and bone inventory. The site of Iskorost was discovered in 1911 during the excavations of medieval barrows. The site has not been considered comprehensively, despite numerous attempts to clarify the cultural and chronological context through the study of stratigraphy. In this paper, the authors try to fill the gap by considering a range of issues related to the history of the research of the site and its general context, the study of the typological, technical, and technological parameters of the stone inventory, as well as determining the place of Iskorost in the Stone Age of Ukrainian Polissia. All artefacts of the site are made of local flint. There are 265 items in the collection. Blades and flakes constitute 95% (252 pieces) of the inventory. There is no doubt that all flaked and detached products are associated with one technology aimed at knapping blades. V. Khvoika purposefully selected artefacts from the cultural layer. Despite this, the inventory contains products of all main stages of the technological process: from the selection of raw materials and the preparation of precores to the formation and correction of prismatic relief, as well as the knapping of blades from the flaking surfaces of the cores. The use of soft active elements prevails at all stages of the reduction sequence. However, traces of the use of hard hammerstones are recorded on flaked and detached products as well (especially in the first phases of precores formation). In conformity with the available data, Iskorost could be a workshop site with a small content of retouched tools. At the same time, V. Khvoika excavated only an insignificant area, which could only be the place of primary processing of flint at the site. According to the geomorphological position of the site, the type of used raw materials, and the features of the technology, it can be assumed that Iskorost belongs to the Final Palaeolithic sites of Ukrainian Polissia. The high blade index and intensity of utilization of the working surfaces of the cores, which mainly have two beveled opposed platforms and a bidirectional type of knapping, the technical, morphological, and metric parameters of the flaked and detached products (including a high percentage of willow-leaf blades among the blades from the working surfaces of the cores), the features of the preparation of the fracture zone make it possible to refer Iskorost to the Swiderian industries.

Distribution of pingos on Svalbard

The present study explores the formation, preservation and degradation of pingos in High Arctic environments, which are controlled by the interplay of permafrost, hydrology and climate conditions. The analysis of aerial and satellite images and digital elevation model data revealed 136 pingo mounds on Svalbard Archipelago. The pingos are distributed at elevations from 0 to 201 m above sea level (asl) with a median of 42 m asl. Of those, 44 pingos are found above and 92 below the maximum level of the respective local Holocene transgressions. All pingos were found in terrain favorable for the formation of hydrologically sourced open-system pingos. Based on published geological data, at least 55 pingos locate near geological faults that presumably allocate sub-permafrost waterflow feeding the pingos. With maximum and mean heights of 40 m and 9.4 m, respectively, Svalbard pingos generally have larger diameters and reach mean heights twice those found in other Arctic regions, such as the predominately closed-system pingos of Northern Alaska and the North-east Siberian lowlands. The comparison of aerial photographs of 1936–1938 with aerial photographs of 2008–2012 of Svalbard pingos exhibit no change in the general morphology of the pingos during the last about seven decades. There are exceptions - four pingos have formed on Little-Ice-Age (LIA) moraines following the local retreat of glaciers, and one pingo – the Riverbed pingo – formed in Adventdalen after 1936. The pingo growth once initiated is dynamic with height gains of up to 1 m annually, but obviously stops within several years or decades. Today, 21 pingos continue to show activity by the outflow at perennial subpermafrost springs. Dried thermokarst craters were found on top of 19 pingos of all sizes and geomorphological positions, while 11 water-filled craters were found only on large pingos with heights exceeding 12 m. Transitional landforms (flattop pingos and platforms) were identified. These landforms may point to underground ice intrusions that do not reveal themselves as classical pingo mounds.

Surface-subsurface hydrological processes of rainwater harvesting project in karst mountainous areas indicated by stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) projects in a decentralized way are significant measures to deal with the water scarcity dilemma in rural areas of the karst mountains in Southwest China at present. Due to the differences in cistern construction features and geomorphological positions, the water sources of cisterns were characterized by marked spatial variability, and the recharge stability of cisterns was strongly influenced by precipitation seasonality. Nevertheless, in hydrological processes on karst hillsides, the identification of different runoff types of RWH has not been sufficiently studied. The stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen of eleven cisterns and epikarst springs in subtropic cockpit karst landforms were monitored from 2020 to 2021 to investigate the runoff characteristics in RWH. Evaporative fractionation in different hydrological cycles is the predominant factor regulating the stable isotopic signature of cistern water. The results indicated that the typical roles that occurred in the recharge process contributed differently to water harvesting, with surface runoff (SR) and subsurface runoff (SSR) contributing much more than rainwater (RW) and epikarst runoff (ER). Three mixing patterns were proposed by end-member analysis in which SR + SSR, ER, and RW were three end members with indicators of isotopic value and the total dissolved solids (TDS). The recharge of SR + SSR was the predominated source, which contributed to 64% of the total water resources collected through RWH in the rainy season. In addition, the influence of various runoffs on the recharge stability of the cistern can be reflected by the multiple statistical analysis of isotopic fluctuation. Poor recharge stability is caused by excessive SR + SSR, whereas a higher percentage of ER and RW leads to better recharge stability. The applied method of hydrological process analysis is significant to the cistern water resources management in rural areas of the karst mountains.

A morphological approach to evaluating the nature of vineyard soils in semiarid Mediterranean environment

AbstractLa Mancha (Central Spain) is one of the most extensive vineyard regions in the world, and ‘Valdepeñas’ is a representative Protected Denomination of Origin (PDO) in this region. However, what are their main soil types? what kind of horizons are the most common? and what is the role of the geomorphological positions in their pedodiversity? After describing and sampling 90 soil profiles in this area, Alfisols, Inceptisols and Entisols were mainly identified in Soil Taxonomy terms; in other words, Luvisols, Cambisols, Regosols, Leptosols and a highly significant proportion of Calcisols according to FAO‐UNESCO‐ISSS. The accumulation of carbonate, the thickness of which varies from a diffuse or powdery form to crusted forms, appear sometimes like polycyclic. The presence of red soils, with or without a calcic or petrocalcic horizon, indicates the most representative edaphic stages in this region. Consequently, the morphological signature is calcic or petrocalcic, followed by argillic and/or cambic horizons, under ochric horizons. It can be concluded that the nature of soils in Valdepeñas can be considered a differential factor to bear in mind for quality viticultural production.Highlights There are unknown conceptual zones in support production of wine. A comprehensive study in a local case was performed due to its traditional production of vineyards. This study highlights the importance and uniqueness of the calcic and petrocalcic horizons. A disconnect exists between some tradicional viticultural zones with low reputation and the real value of their soils.

Combining geophysical and geomorphological data to reconstruct the development of relief of a medieval castle site in the Spessart low mountain range, Germany

AbstractWithin the Spessart low mountain range in central Germany, numerous castle ruins of the 13th century ce exist. Their construction and destruction were often determined by the struggle for political and economic supremacy in the region and for control over the Spessart's natural resources. Wahlmich Castle is located in a relatively uncommon strategic and geomorphological position, characterized by a fairly remote position and atypical rough relief. In order to reconstruct the local relief development and possible human impact, a multi‐method approach was applied combining two‐dimensional geoelectrical measurements, geomorphological mapping and stratigraphic‐sedimentological investigations. This provides new insights into the influence of landscape characteristics on choices of castle locations.The combined geoelectrical, geomorphological and stratigraphic‐sedimentological data show that the rough relief is of natural origin and influenced by regional faulting, which triggered sliding and slumping as well as weathering and dissection of the surface deposits. The rough relief and the lithology permitted intensive land use and building activities. However, the location of the castle offered access to and possibly control over important medieval traffic routes and also represented certain ownership claims in the Aschaff River valley.The economic situation combined with rivalry between different elites led to the castle being built in a geomorphological challenging and strategically less valuable location. Focusing on castles located in rare and challenging geomorphological positions may therefore lead to a better understanding of castle siting in the future.

Loess-paleosol record of MIS 3 - MIS 2 of north-east Cis-Salair plain, south of West Siberia

We present results for three sections with a representative loess record of the end of the Late Pleistocene from the south-east of Western Siberia. These sections are characterized by different structure and formed in different geomorphological position of Ob Loess Plateau and Cis-Salair plain. The age of deposits within MIS 1 - MIS 3 is determined by radiocarbon and OSL dating. Data on the quartz grain morphology confirmed that aeolian processes were the main factor in the accumulation of studied profiles, the influence of cryogenic weathering was also noted. Evidence of the MIS 2 warmings have been recorded in the northwestern Salair region (Ust’-Chem section), presented by two weakly developed Late Glacial paleosols formed 14.9–12.3 kyr ago. The distribution of magnetic susceptibility and grain size records in the Lozhok and Klyuchi sections reveals a period of relatively long term aridization with an increase in atmosphere dustiness in the lower part of the Eltsovka loess (MIS 2). The trend of increase in humidity with decrease in the atmosphere dynamics is observed during the second part of MIS 2. An event of activation of local aeolian processes with dune formation took place 47 kyr ago (the first half of the Karga interstadial; MIS 3) in the Klyuchi section. It is supposed that the geomorphological situation and the presence of nearby material available for local redeposition was a significant agent in the formation of the lower layer of Klyuchi and Ust-Chem sections. It was formed by combined deposition of silt material from the atmosphere flow and by the local aeolian transportation of sand. Permafrost-solifluction event was established in the northeastern part of the Ob Loess Plateau at about 23 ka.

Sedimentation and environmental dynamics of the Tunka rift valley (Baikal region) in the Late Pleistocene-Holocene based on the analysis of lithological and rock magnetic properties of the deposits from Upper Paleolithic sites

The Tunka depression is a valley in the Baikal rift system. It contains several Paleolithic archaeological sites, however, the number of finds varies sharply across the different sections of the valley. The purpose of this study is to reconstruct the natural environment and sedimentation conditions of Upper Paleolithic deposits in the Tunka valley and to explore the effects of these conditions on the prehistoric humans that peopled the landscape. A total of 923 samples from 6 section sites (with different geological structure, thickness of layers, and geomorphological position) were evaluated for grain size and rock magnetic properties. The age of all sections is supported by 14C and TL dates. Sedimentation at Belyi Yar 1 and Belyi Yar 2 is characterized by high deposition rates and a large influx of loose sedimentary material due to catastrophic floods that prevented soil formation and resulted in unsuitable conditions for the habitation of prehistoric humans. Sedimentation rates at the Shimki site (which has not yet yielded archaeological finds) were also high but the presence of paleosol horizons indicates milder environmental conditions. The numerous archaeological finds at the Tuyana site, located at the highest geographical altitude, are explained by the features of the sedimentary environment: low sedimentary input, well-developed buried soils and a lack of signs indicating catastrophic flood. The Zaktui site, with its lower altitude, is characterized by less suitable conditions for human habitation which also explains the restricted number of archaeological finds in the section. An intermediate position is occupied by the Slavin Yar section, where sedimentation rates were higher than at Zaktui or Tuyana and paleosol horizons are quite well developed, but poor archaeological finds are explained by the influence of catastrophic floods. The integration of the studied parameters helps to reconstruct different sedimentary conditions in the explored sites of the Tunka depression and to estimate their suitability for prehistoric human habitation.

Networks of unusually large fossil periglacial polygons, Campine area, northern Belgium

A series of polygon networks has been discovered on the most recent LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) DEM (Digital Elevation Model) of Flanders (Belgium) available in a resolution of 1 m2. They are located in the sandy Campine area (northern Belgium) and resemble thermal contraction crack polygon networks from present-day permafrost regions. Different network types were observed, ranging from orthogonal to hexagonal and various combinations of these. The inter-polygon troughs are typically several decimeters deep and up to several meters wide. The average polygon size is ca. 3000 m2, which is equivalent to a diameter of ca. 60 m if the polygon shape is approximated with a perfect circle, or a side of ca. 55 m length if it were to be approximated by a perfect square. The average size is (much) larger than any of the studied present-day analogues, and also larger than fossil networks in the western part of Flanders, Poland and France. In contrast to the Campine polygons presented here, the fossil analogues in these countries were detected using satellite imagery and orthophotos, which may partially explain the observed size differences. The morphometric analysis of the Campine networks shows relationships between polygon type and local geomorphological position as orthogonal networks seem to have a preference to develop near shallow valley slopes. In addition, GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) radargrams were acquired across polygon boundaries to investigate subsoil disturbances related to the former position of ice wedges or sand wedges. However, the evidence is not unequivocal due to the low dielectric contrast between the host and wedge material. It is not clear yet whether smaller 2nd and 3rd order cracks did develop but without leaving a topographical imprint. The observed polygon networks in the Campine area are interpreted as first-order networks that developed during a time span of several thousands of years, up to 10 kyr at most, in a former Late Weichselian permafrost climate.

СОЛЯНКА - ПОЙМЕННОЕ ГОРОДИЩЕ-СВЯТИЛИЩЕ КУДИНСКОЙ ДОЛИНЫ (ПРЕДБАЙКАЛЬЕ)

Ancient sanctuaries located on elevated areas became known to archaeologists in the territory of the Kudinskaya Valley (Baikal region) at the end of the 19th century. Their territory is separated from the surrounding area by protective structures -ramparts or ditches. In this regard, they received the name of the fort-sanctuary. Rituals dedicated to heavenly deities were held on their territory. Currently, such archaeological sites are dated within the Ist -beginning of the 2nd millennium AD. In 2019, earth reconnaissance work was carried out at one of the ancient sanctuaries located in the Solyanka area. Unlike other sanctuary settlements, Solyanka is located in the floodplain of the river on a small hill surrounded by a ditch. The diameter of the sanctuary is 36 m. Judging by its geomorphological position, it was probably dedicated to the owner of the Kuda River or the valley along which it flows. To the south of the ancient sanctuary is the modern sanctuary. On it, the Buryat population conducts rites dedicated to “the owner of the area”. In its center there is a wooden pole serge, near which there is a hearth, benches and tables used for the ritual. Keywords: Baikal region, Kuda Valley, ancient fort -sanctuary, ditch, serge, pit work

Сопоставление параметров экотопов болотных фитоценозов и глубин торфяной залежи Белого болота (Пермский край, Россия)

It is known that phytoindication of the nature and depth of peat deposits is possible only when, among other factors, the geographical and geomorphological position of the bog systems is taken into account. The aim of this study is to determine whether or not there is a relationship between peat deposit thickness, phytocenosis composition and ecological parameters of plant habitats, using the example of the Beloe Bog located in the Sylvensko-Irenskaya lowland in the south-east of Perm Krai. Measure ments of the depth of the peat deposit were carried out using a peat probe, followed by the determination of the volumes of the peat bog in the GIS (ArcGIS (ESRI)). The diversity of peatland plant com-munities is described, their ecological-cenotic analysis and phytoindication analysis of ecotopes is carried out using Ellenberg and Landolt ecological scales using EcoScaleWin software. The results allow to update the stock data of geological exploration 1969. Ecological-cenotic and phytoindication analyzes revealed differences between pine-dwarf shrub-sphagnum and birch-menyanthes-sphagnum communities. A Spearman correlation coefficient demonstrated a relationship between peat deposit depths and the proportion of Water-Swamp ecological-cenotic group species in the communities, as well as with a number of ecological parameters of the ecotopes. The use of two different ecological scales revealed inconsistency between them. The article substantiates the chosen spatial tactics for measuring the peatland depth of a small irregularly shaped bog and also calculates the time required to measure the thickness of a conven-tional peat deposit of 1000 hectares. The relationship of this work to ongoing palaeoecological research in Perm Krai is highlighted. A comparison is made between the available data on the Beloe Bog and the results of phytoindication studies of the peatland thickness of Western Siberia known to the authors. The limitations and prospects of a series of similar studies in Perm Krai, which will reveal regional and zonal patterns in the spatial structure of bog communities and their relation to the thickness of peat deposits, are considered.