RADIOCHRONOMETRICAL CONTRIBUTION ТО THE STUDY OF LANDSCAPE EVOLUTION OF THE RUSSIAN PLAIN DURING THE UPPER PLEISTOCENE

Abstract

According to new data it is possible to subdivide the Upper Pleistocene into two glacials and two interglacials (Fig. 1). Apart of well known Mikulinian Interglacial (Riss-Wurm) younger Karukiilan Interglacial is distingiushed on the base of palaeogeo- morphological, palynological and radiocarbon records:  This interglacial lasted from 50 000 to 39 000 years B. P. Its analogues are identified in various parts of the Earth. The glacial maximum of the Upper Pleistocene coincided with the Brandenburg or Bo- logoye Stage that probably took place before the Karukiilan Interglacial. The following glacial maximum corresponded to the Pomeranian or Vepsian Stage. A long time interval between these stages was distinguished due to geomorphological and lithological features. New point of view change former ideas on the development of morphosculp- ture in the Russian Plain during the Upper Pleistocene. A short survey of this evolution is described on the base of radiocarbon time-scale. Special reference is given to the deglaciation period (Tables 1, 2). It is shown that the successive shrinking of inlandice was not followed by large retreats of ice margin to the centre of glaciated area during interstadials. Ice sheet was a very inert formation. Russian Plain became completely ice free in the late Allerod, about 11 000 years B. P.