The loess-palaeosol sequence of novyi tik: a new middle and upper pleistocene record for volyn’ upland (North-West Ukraine)

Abstract

The Novyi Tik sequence includes the Middle and Upper Pleistocene loess-palaeosol units of Ukrainian stratigraphy, tentatively correlated with marine isotope stages (MIS) 10 to 1. The site demonstrates the facies diversity of palaeosols and other sediments, as many of its sections are located in sediment traps (palaeogullies). Welded soils are here replaced by well-developed pedocomplexes, which show different phases of soil formation. Three main pedocomplexes have been revealed at Novyi Tik, and tentatively correlated with MIS 5, 7 and 9. Each pedocomplex comprises a lower interglacial forest soil (Luvisol or Retisol) and an upper interstadial steppe or forest-steppe soil (Chernozem, Phaeozem or Cambisol). The upper pedocomplex (MIS 5) is characterised by the largest vertical and lateral facies diversity. Thin loess beds and cryogenic features within the pedocomplexes are indicators of relatively short, dry and cold events. All these units have been studied by several methods, i.e. grain-size analyses, humus content, micromorphology and palynology. These enable reconstructions of numerous environmental changes in the Middle and Late Pleistocene in the study area, particularly evidenced by the evolution of pedogenic processes, vegetation development, and the periodicity of cryogenic events. A split Mammuthus primigenius bone and the oldest Levallois tool known from the Volyn’ Upland and found at Novyi Tik enhance the site’s importance and potential for further research.