Paleoecology During the Creation of a Large Boldyrevo Kurgan of the Yamnaya Culture in the Southern Cis-Urals, Russia

This study focuses on a short-term pedochronosequence of Kurgan № 1 at the Boldyrevo IV kurgan cemetery in Orenburg Region Southern Cis-Urals. According to archaeological findings, was built over several decades by people Yamnaya (Pit-Grave) culture Early Bronze Age (around 5500 BP), with exact time its building be confirmed radiocarbon dating and further information. A comparative analysis four earthen constructions paleosols buried under those conducted. Results suggest that period accompanied following changes paleosol morphology physicochemical properties: humus horizon acquired tonguing-like lower boundary, decreased organic carbon content magnetic susceptibility, while whole profile characterized increasing degree zooturbation; impregnation carbonates middle part contents carbonate carbon, gypsum, exchangeable sodium increased. Similar trends morphological were observed materials constructions. Based these findings it can conclude climate went through aridization rise during building. The paleobotanical data from palynological microbiomorphic analyses indicate there tendency for paleoclimate and, possibly cooling trend studied culture, which probably more arid than modern climate.