Lesser Caucasus Research Articles

The archaeological record of the Qaraçay River Basin along the northern piedmont of the Lesser Caucasus

Abstract This project documents the current archaeological record of the Qaraçay River Basin in western Azerbaijan. Integrating intensive pedestrian survey, satellite imagery analysis and topographic mapping, the study identified 85 kurgans, six necropolises and nine sites from the Chalcolithic or medieval periods. The authors believe this demonstrates the potential for further archaeological studies in the region.

The Problem of Drought in the Territory of Azerbaijan and Combat Measures

The article considers global and local climate change, and the problems associated with these changes. The increase in drought in the world and in Azerbaijan. The influence of various types of anthropogenic impact on the environment is studied. Measures to reduce their negative consequences are proposed. 52.4% of the total land fund of Azerbaijan is suitable for agriculture. The bulk of the soil is in arid areas (Kura-Araz lowland, including the Salyan, Mil, Mugan, Shirvan and Karabakh plains). Drought is also observed in the foothills of the Lesser Caucasus. Growing crops without irrigation is impossible. Problems arise in irrigating crop areas in dry years. The presence of drought in the summer months and a decrease in water resources negatively affect agriculture. The total water deficit in Azerbaijan in 2020 amounted to more than 0.2 km3. The water deficit may increase to 1.3 km3 in 2030 but may amount to 4-5 km3 in 2050. It is proposed to use current technologies in the country's natural resource management system.

An updated review of late devonian–early carboniferous ostracods from the lesser Caucasus

Հոդվածում քննարկվում են Փոքր Կովկասի վերին դևոն-ստորին քարածխային նստվածքային հաջորդականություններից հայտնի Paraparchitidae և Geisinidae ընտանիքներին պատկանող օստրակոդների տեսակները` հաշվի առնելով ժամանակակից տաքսոնոմիական դասակարգումները և թարմացված շերտագրական կորելացիաները: Այս օստրակոդները հայտնի են Հայաստանի և Նախիջևանի վերին ֆամենից մինչև ստորին վիզե։ Հատկանշական է, որ Geisinidae-ները հայտնի են վերին ֆամենի Paurogastroderhynchus nalivkini բրախիոպոդային զոնայից մինչև վերին տուրնեի Spirifer baiani–Marginatia burlingtonensis բրախիոպոդային զոնա: Paraparchitidae-ները հայտնի են Paurogastro-derhynchus nalivkini բրախիոպոդային զոնայից մինչև ստորին վիզե: Մեր վերանայումն ընդգծում է Փոքր Կովկասի վերին ֆամեն-ստորին վիզեի հաջորդականություններից Չիժովայի կողմից նկարագրված paraparchitid և geisinid օստրակոդների ընտանիքների տեսակների տաքսոնոմիական և շերտագրական առանջնակատկությունները։ Ի վերջո, մենք քննարկում ենք նրանց գլոբալ շերտագրական և հնակենսաշխարհագրական տարածվածությունը՝ այս պահի դրությամբ հայտնի տվյալներով։ В данной статье рассматриваются виды остракод из семейств Paraparchitidae и Geisinidae,известные из верхнедевонских и нижнекарбоновых осадочных толщ Малого Кавказа, с учётом современных таксономических системизаций и обновлённых стратиграфических корреляций. Эти остракоды известны из верхнего фамена донижнего визе Армении и Нахичевани. Примечательно, что Geisinidae известны из верхнефаменской брахиоподовой зоны Paurogastroderhynchus nalivkini до верхнетурнейской зоны Spirifer baiani–Marginatia burlingtonensis. Paraparchitidae известны из зоны брахиоподовой зоны Paurogastroderhynchus nalivkini до нижнего визе. Наш обзор подчеркивает отличительные характеристики и обновленное стратиграфическое распространение видов остракодиз семейств Paraparchitidae и Geisinidae, выявленных Чижовой из верхнефаменских–нижневизейских последовательностях Малого Кавказа. Наконец, мы обсуждаем их глобальное стратиграфическое и палеобиогеографическое распространение, известное на данный момент. A review of the paraparchitid and geisinid ostracod species known from the Upper Devonian–Lower Carboniferous sequences of the Lesser Caucasus is conducted here with respect to modern taxonomic assignments and updated stratigraphic correlations. These ostracods are known from the upper Famennian–lower Visean successions of Armenia and Nachichevan. Most notably, Geisinidae are known from the upper Famennian Paurogastroderhynchus nalivkini Brachiopod Zone to the upper Tournaisian Spirifer baiani–Marginatia burlingtonensis Brachiopod Zone. Paraparchitidae are known from the Paurogastroderhynchus nalivkini Brachiopod Zone to the lower Visean. Our review highlights the distinguishing characters and updated stratigraphic occurrence of the paraparchitid and geisinid ostracod species documented by Tschigova in the upper Famennian–lower Visean successions of the Lesser Caucasus. Finally, we discuss their global stratigraphic and palaeobiogeographic distribution known so far.

Mitochondrial genome analysis across different populations reveals the intraspecific variation and phylogeography of the Caucasian soft tick relapsing fever vector, Ornithodoros (Pavlovskyella) verrucosus (Ixodida: Argasidae)

Territories in southern parts of Eastern Europe and in the Caucasus are endemic for tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF), caused by Borrelia caucasica. This spirochete is transmitted exclusively by the bites of Ornithodoros verrucosus; however, the distribution and genetic diversity of the tick vector have not been explored. To address this, we performed a phylogeographic study of O. verrucosus specimens collected across a large geographic distribution. We sequenced and analyzed complete mitochondrial genomes of 54 individual O. verrucosus ticks representing 23 geographically diverse populations from Ukraine, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. We detected 47 unique haplotypes, with every collection site exhibiting distinct polymorphisms. This, along with other population genetic indices, suggests little evidence of gene flow between populations. The Bayesian coalescent analysis revealed the presence of four lineages that diverged in the Middle Pleistocene (770–126 kya). Two lineages were widespread and present in all study regions, while the other two were restricted to the southern foothills of the Lesser Caucasus mountain range. The sympatry of these ancient lineages suggests that isolation by environment, in addition to geographic distance, may play a role in the intraspecific divergence of tick populations. Using a phylogeographic approach, we provide a snapshot of genetic diversity in O. verrucosus and discuss the evolutionary history of the tick vector.

Causes and consequences of natural and anthropogenically induced late Holocene hydrological variations on the largest freshwater system in the Lesser Caucasus (Lake Sevan, Armenia)

Although Lake Sevan is the largest freshwater reservoir in the Caucasus, no paleohydrological or paleoenvironmental investigations have been carried out on profundal sediments so far. Here we present high-resolution sedimentological results from a 141 cm-long sediment core covering the past 4870+190/-245 cal a BP. The chronology is based on a combination of 137Cs/210Pb and radiocarbon dating supported by paleomagnetic secular variation stratigraphy, providing new inclination and declination data for the Caucasus. The time frame covered by this sequence is characterized by a long-term lake level rising trend superimposed by smaller-scale hydrological variations which is in agreement with the rest of the Lake Sevan basin. In the presented sedimentary sequence, the superimposed hydrological variations seem to be coherent with the Hallstatt and Eddy cycles.A distinct shift towards wetter conditions is observed between 2500 and 2000 cal a BP resulting in a very high lake level. An artificial lake level drop of about 20 m in the 20th century led to anoxic conditions similar to the ones during a low lake level at 4870+190/-245 cal a BP. This study shows that under natural conditions Lake Sevan was able to recover from this oxygen deficit when the lake level increased, implying that this would also happen to the artificially lowered lake today if the lake level were raised.

CHOROLOGICAL ANALYSIS AND PHENOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS OF SOME SPECIES OF THE FAMILY CRASSULACEAE J.ST.-HIL. IN THE LESSER CAUCASUS OF AZERBAIJAN

Research has been carried out in some characteristic areas of Azerbaijan in recent years. The results of the chorological analyses showed that species of the Crassulacea in Irano-Turanian province, are distributed in two or three territories of this province. The results of phenological observations and morphometric parameters indicate that all species have successfully passed through all stages of development. The sequence of seasonal changes in the same community is repeated from year to year, but the timing of the phases and individual details are different. As a result of the study of phenological features, the plants with the earliest start of vegetation, as well as early flowering and fruiting were identified. P. stolonifer, and S. acre are the plants with the earliest beginning of vegetation, as well as early flowering and fruiting. Fruits of plants of the Crassulaceae genus ripen in July. 1 species of hare cabbage (Sedum acre) is found only in the Lesser Caucasus, two species (S. hispanicum, S. pentapetalum Boriss.) are found throughout Azerbaijan, 6 species (Prometheum pilosum, Phedimus spurius, Sedum gracile, S. pallidum, S.annum, Petrosedum subulatum) in the territory of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, Nakhichevan (Diabar), Lankaran, one species (Phedimus stoloniferum) of the Greater Caucasus, the Lesser Caucasus, Lankaran, one species (Sedum tenellum) in the territory of the Greater Caucasus, the Lesser Caucasus, Lankaran, one species (Sedum album) in the Lesser Caucasus, in Nakhichevan, 1 species (Prometheum sempervivoides) distributed in the regions of Nakhichevan, Lesser Caucasus, Lankaran.

Bioecological Characterization of Nematode Distribution Among Livestock in the North-Eastern Territories of the Lesser Caucasus of Azerbaijan Republic

Helminthological studies of sheep and goats were conducted in the northeastern territories of the Lesser Caucasus of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2013-2022. The northeastern areas of the Lesser Caucasus include Ganja and Goygeli, Dashkesan, Geranboy, Naftalan, Samukh, Shamkir, Tovuz, Agstafa, Gazakh and Kadabek districts, as well as the areas around the Kura and Jeyranchel rivers, which are wintering places of livestock farms. This process plays a special role in the formation of helminth fauna of animals, as small horned livestock farms in these areas lead a nomadic and sedentary lifestyle. As a result of helminthological research 52 species of helminths, including 43 species of nematodes were identified. Of these, 7 species are indicated for the study region for the first time. All detected nematode species were registered in sheep, while only 26 species were found in goats, which are common to the sheep helminth fauna. These helminth species can be considered as permanent elements of the helminthofaunistic complex of livestock production in the studied region. It was found that young sheep and goats are relatively heavily infested with helminths. Infestation is higher in late spring — early summer and early fall. For this purpose, 957 sheep and 619 goats were examined for nematode pathogens in different landscape-ecological zones of the region by the method of complete helminthological autopsy according to K. I. Skryabin. Some species of helminths are absent in the studied animals before driving them to summer pastures but are observed in them after their return to wintering. Animals become infected by ingesting larvae or mature helminth eggs on summer pastures. -

Helminth Fauna of Buffaloes Bubalus bubalis (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Northeastern Foothills of the Lesser Caucasus of Azerbaijan

The article is devoted the study of the helminth fauna of buffaloes in the north-eastern foothills of the Lesser Caucasus. The study was conducted in 15 buffaloes by partial necropsy in different zones (plain, foothills, mountainous) and 23 species of helminths were detected. The helminth fauna consisted of 4 species of trematodes, 5 species of cestodes and 14 species of nematodes. The extent intensity and nature of spread of detected helminth species were analyzed.

Anatomical Structure of Some Dying Plants of the Lesser Caucasus

The article provides information about the morpho-anatomical and coloring properties of some plants of the Lesser Caucasus, common in the territory of Azerbaijan. The distribution zones of species are indicated, anatomical studies are carried out, and both permanent and diagnostic structural indicators of taxa are determined. It was found that plants in the mountain zone develop characteristic features: thickening of the leaf blade; strong development of palisade parenchyma; a decrease in the volume of stomata, but an increase in their number; thickening of the membrane and cuticle of epidermal cells, formation of dense hair; reduction and compaction of cells.

The Lake Paravani archive – a contribution to the late Quaternary landscape evolution of the Lesser Caucasus (Georgia)

Lake Paravani, located on the volcanic Javakheti Plateau in the central part of the Lesser Caucasus at 2073 m a.s.l., forms a unique geo‐bio‐archive for palaeoenvironmental reconstructions in this remote region. Based on sediment cores from the southwestern part of the lake we expand the existing palynological and sedimentological records beyond the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). For the first time, it is possible to reconstruct the palaeoenvironment in this part of the Lesser Caucasus back to c. 28 cal. ka BP. Our study shows that until 16 cal. ka BP glacial conditions dominated (Phase I) in the region; there is, however, proof that the lake already existed during the LGM. In the following transitional Phase II from 16 until 6 cal. ka BP, cold and arid conditions with sparse steppe vegetation and a lowered lake level prevailed. Around 10 cal. ka BP, tree pollen started to expand while herbaceous pollen, especially Chenopodiaceae, declined. In Phase III, since 6 cal. ka BP, mixed forest probably represented the Holocene climatic optimum. Fluctuating lake levels indicate shifting climatic conditions. The minor changes of arboreal pollen hin the uppermost part of Phase II may be an indication of human activity. The more humid, vegetation‐rich environment and mild climate around 4.5–2 cal. ka BP correlate with the expansion of the Late Bronze Age settlements in this area (from ~3.5 cal. ka BP/~1.5 ka BC). The proliferation of sites on the plateau, along with even higher‐altitude sites possibly dating to the same period, may indicate that this climate amelioration played an important role in enabling more sustained human occupation. The results extend the record on Lake Paravani by several millennia beyond the LGM and complement the palaeo‐lake reconstructions of the wider region, e.g. at Lake Van (Türkiye) or Lake Sevan (Armenia).

Lithofacies, changes in mineral composition and reservoir properties of the Maykopian sediments in the Yevlakh-Aghjabedi Depression

Yevlakh-Aghjabadi depression is a well explored oil province located in the Middle Kura basin between Greater and Lesser Caucasus.The study investigates the lithofacial, mineralogical, and collector properties of the Maykopian sedimentary series within the Yevlakh-Aghjabadi depression, focusing on the Oligocene to Early Miocene epoch. Maykop deposits are widely distributed in the foothill regions of the Lesser Caucasus, both at the surface as natural outcrops and in the geological structure of deeper formations. In this article, in addition to core samples, the results of fieldworks have also been widely discussed. The conducted research indicates favorable paleogeographic conditions for oil and gas presence in these depressions. The sedimentary sequence, up to 2200 meters thick, is divided into Lower and Upper Maykopian subgroups, showing fluctuating thickness distribution. The primary source of clastic materials for the Maykopian suit is the Lesser Caucasus Mountain range. The lithological composition consists of clay, sandstones, and conglomerates, influenced by paleogeographic changes and paleochannels. Collector properties vary, with Lower Maykopian sediments exhibiting better characteristics, especially in the south-western part of the basin. The mineralogical composition dominated by fine-grained feldspars, impacts reservoir quality. Maykopian suits in the oil and gas regions of Ganja and Muradkhanli, which encompass the southernwestern and northern-eastern flanks of the Yevlakh-Aghjabedibasin, as well as conducting extensive research on reservoir properties, will enable the proper direction of future exploration activities. For this purpose, the overall condition of the Maykopian suits and the distribution of lithofacies have been analyzed, and the characteristics of hydrocarbon reservoirs have been determined. Keywords: lithology; lithofacies; Maykopian; sandy and clayey sediments; argillaceous sandstones; porosity; permeability.

Structural conditions for the localization of gold mineralization within the Tutkhun ore field (the central part of the Lesser Caucasus)

Structural conditions for the localization of gold mineralization within the Tutkhun ore field (the central part of the Lesser Caucasus)

Tectonics and minerageny of the Garabagh and East Zangazur (southeastern end of the Lesser Caucasus, Azerbaijan)

Tectonics and minerageny of the Garabagh and East Zangazur (southeastern end of the Lesser Caucasus, Azerbaijan)

Building the Lesser Caucasus Monumental Landscape during the Bronze Age: Life and Death on the Javakheti Plateau (Georgia)

Abstract Surveys carried out in the Javakheti Plateau during the last decade have improved our knowledge of the Bronze Age archaeology of this highland zone of the Lesser Caucasus of Georgia. Surveys have been conducted all over the area surrounding the Mt. Chikiani volcano, along the southern terraces of the Tsalka Reservoir, and some of the north-western slopes of Mt. Paravani. All these territories have yielded impressive evidence of megalithic monuments, stone-walled villages, kurgans, basalt and schist quarries, as well as obsidian extraction and production areas. Among these latter is an important circular platform made of basalt boulders, above which a workshop for the manufacture of obsidian bifacial arrowheads and spearheads was discovered. All the aforementioned features have been GPS-recorded and photographed with the use of a non-professional small drone. They show that the entire region is a monumental landscape, which most probably started to be built around the beginning of the Bronze Age, as many of the lithic finds would suggest.

Modern and comprehensive soil studies in grape agrocenoses in Azerbaijan

The article presents some results of a comparative analysis of the agrochemical, microbiological, and environmental properties of grape plants and soil types common in regions located on the slopes of the Lesser Caucasus. The objectives of this study were to assess the current state and quality of soils used for vineyards in some villages of the Ganja-Kazakh economic region, taking into account the long-term use of fertilizers and chemicals to protect plantations from various diseases for the resulting wine materials. Growing and exporting grapes is of great importance for the development of the economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Since it is a break-even plant, expanding the area under grapes to attract wetlands to agriculture has been an important issue for soil scientists in recent years. During the period of rapid development of viticulture in the republic, ensuring rapid harvesting and longevity of vineyards is one of the important scientific and practical tasks.

VARIABILITY OF RADIOCARBON RESERVOIR AGE EFFECTS IN LAKES AND RIVERS IN ANATOLIA AND LESSER CAUCASUS

ABSTRACT Multiproxy sedimentary sequence analysis constitutes the basis for reconstructions of past paleoenvironments and climate evolution. These sequences are, for the most part, obtained by coring in lakes, maars or crater lakes whose waters can record volcanic activity or karstic contributions, especially in Eastern Anatolia and the Lesser Caucasus. The reservoir age effect in these geological contexts leads to an apparent aging of the radiocarbon ages which also affects the plants and animals developing in or near these waters and consequently the population consuming them. We present here some results obtained from modern samples taken from Mediterranean, central and eastern Anatolian lakes, from the Van and Sevan lakes and along the Kura River and its tributaries from the Lesser Caucasus. The effect of volcanic CO2 outgassing in the vicinity of maar crater lakes is also discussed.

Results of the Paleobotanical Researches at the Territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan

The article indicates the results of paleobotanical research in the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan. Materials for fossil plants in the territory Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic show that the development of the Mesophytic era covers the Permian, Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous, during which existed Neomesophyte and Palaeomesophyte flora. Сenophytic era covers Paleogene, Neogene and Quaternary period. Flora of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic relates to Mesophytic and Сenophytic era. Modern vegetation of the region is dominated by open and semi-open coenosis i.e. rather primitive in its phytocenotic essence. These xerophilous coenosis have deep ancient roots of its origin. Flowering flora originated on the globe in the first half of the Cretaceous period. The oldest plant residues, which are known in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, refer to the end of the Cretaceous period. Found that modern flora and vegetation of their origin, above all, connected with the ancient Iranian, mainly Asia Minor or North Iranian flora penetrated here with Tertiary and being penetrated at the moment. From the more important temperate eastern slopes of the Lesser Caucasus in the Tertiary period, the study area was fenced off by the high perched Kongur-Alangez mountains and Zangezur.

Biostratigraphic, palaeoenvironmental and palaeobiogeographic implications of bryozoan fauna from the Upper Devonian sequences of Armenia

This paper presents the first contribution to the study of bryozoans from the Frasnian–lower Famennian successions of Armenia. The latter were examined in two distinct localities (Ertych and Noravank) of Central Armenia; abundant fragments of branched ramose and encrusting bryozoans were observed in them, belonging to the orders Trepostomata and Cryptostomata. Their taxonomic assessment led us to recognize four species: two cryptostomes – Euthyrhombopora tenuisErnst et al., 2017 and Bigeyella indigena (Morozova and Weiss in Morozova et al., 2002) from the Noravank section (Frasnian) – and two trepostomes – Eostenopora sp. and Eridotrypella sp. from the Ertych section (lower Famennian). No cystoporate and fenestrate bryozoans were observed. The identified bryozoans are characteristic of shallow marine or middle shelf paleoenvironments. The presence of Euthyrhombopora tenuis and Bigeyella indigena suggests palaeobiogeographic affinities to contemporary faunas from Iran and Poland, respectively. In addition to our results, an overview of previously published data reveals that the upper Famennian assemblages of bryozoans from the Lesser Caucasus contain more endemic species than those known from the Frasnian and the lowermost Famennian.

Heavy metal content of mountainous agricultural soils and ecological risk assessment in Gadabay district, Azerbaijan

Objective: The objective of this study was to i) investigate the distribution characteristics of heavy metals, ii) examine their relationships with basic soil properties, and iii) characterize their potential sources and ecological risks. Material and Methods: A total of 85 samples were collected from the surface horizon (0-15 cm) of Chernozem soil in a representative agricultural area located in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains (Gadabay district), and heavy metal contents and basic soil properties were determined. Results: The mean of the heavy metals followed a decreasing order: Mn>Zn>Cu>Cr>Ni>Co>Pb>As>Se>Cd and some heavy metals (As, Cd, Se) exhibited a fragmented distribution. Co, Cr, Mn, Se and Zn contents were higher than the background concentration, while others (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Pb and Zn) exceeded the maximum permissible concentration. Conclusion: The spatial distribution of heavy metals was characterized by their typical and element-specific distribution. The noted variability was likely related to geologic features (soil mineralogy), mining history and agricultural practices. Notably, the presence of limestone and clay minerals contributed to the association of Cd, Cu and Se and Mn and Pb, respectively. Sand content influenced the mobility of Cr and Cu. The relations between pH and Cr, Ni and Se was the indication of the influence of the parent material on the distribution of these metals.

Taxonomy of the VeronicaL. Genus in the North of the Lesser Caucasus

The territory of Azerbaijan is distinguished by a wide variety of vegetation. Most of the 5,000 plant species described in Azerbaijan grow in the north of the Lesser Caucasus. The composition of the Veronica L. genus, Plantaginaceae family has been studied. During the work, 21 species, 2 subspecies were identified. There are 200 species of this genus throughout the world, 53 in the Caucasus, and 40 in Azerbaijan. The work provides a systematic annotated list of all identified species of the Veronica genus.