Geoarchaeological investigations in the southwestern Transbaikal region, Russia ...

• Main Author: Buvit, Ian
• Format: Doctoral or Postdoctoral Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Washington State University 2008
• Subjects: Archaeological geology > Russia Federation > Transbaikalia; Ice; permafrost
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.7273/000005832; https://rex.libraries.wsu.edu/esploro/outputs/doctoral/99901055036701842

This dissertation focuses on the landscape context of the archaeological record in the Transbaikal along the Chikoi, Khilok, and Menza rivers. Of the 13 study sites, Studenoe 1 and 2, Ust -Menza 1, 2, 4, and 5, Kunalei, Melnichnoe 1 and 2, Chitkan, and Priiskovoe sites are associated with fluvial environments, while Tolbaga is associated with a colluvial environment. Cultural components range from approximately 30,000 years old at sites like Tolbaga, to about 1130 years old at sites such as Studenoe 1. Preservation and context are best at Studenoe 1 and 2, and Ust -Menza 1 and 2 where occupations post-date 19,000 years ago and low-energy flood deposits quickly buried cultural material. In contrast, sites such as Kunalei, Melnichnoe 1 and 2, and Priiskovoe, where initial occupations occurred prior to 19,000 years ago, are in much worse shape. At these sites, it appears that permafrost activity linked to the last ice age had major effects on their geological contexts. An exception to this, however, is Chitkan, ...