Alexander L. Alexandrovskiy

History of the cultural layer in Moscow and accumulation of anthropogenic substances in it.

Abstract Urban soils in the central part of Moscow consist of a thick layer of municipal waste (the cultural layer). Its thickness varies from 2 to 5 m and can reach 20 m in depressions. It has been affected by pedogenic processes and also contains archaeological artefacts. Thus, it is simultaneously a soil, a sediment and a cultural layer. It is very stony, has a strongly alkaline reaction and is enriched in organic matter (30-fold increase in comparison with surface soils of Moscow suburbs), carbonates, phosphorus compounds (20–200-fold increase) and various microelements (Pb, Cu, Zn, As, 100–1000-fold increase).

Holocene development of soils in response to environmental changes: the Novosvobodnaya archaeological site, North Caucasus

Abstract Soil-archaeological studies in North Caucasus indicate that the expansion of broad-leaved deciduous forests from mountains to foothills and piedmont plain took place about 3000 years ago, after the Middle Holocene steppe stage. At this time, steppe Chernozems transformed into Luvisols under forests. Often the Luvisol profiles preserve the relict humus horizon and paleokrotovinas (mole tunnels) inherited from the chernozemic stage. Within the same period, normally developed soils evolved on the surface of burial mounds: Luvisols on mounds composed of loess and chernozemic material and Rendzinas and Luvisols with a calcareous horizon on loamy mounds with a limestone paving (stone armour) used to strengthen the mounds. The rates of profile differentiation and some pedogenic processes have been calculated. In the eluvial horizons of Luvisols developed on loess or charnozemic material, the rate of clay loss was up to 7–8 g m−2 year.

Radiocarbon age of Holocene paleosols of the East European forest–steppe zone

Abstract Comparison of the radiocarbon ages of soils buried under previously dated burial mounds with those of surface (background) soils in surrounding areas indicates the rate of humus renewal and aids the dating of paleosols (buried soils and relic horizons in surface soils). Together with evidence for the development of soils of watersheds in the Holocene, the soils of depressions indicate reactivation of erosion processes in the last 3–8 centuries (agricultural erosion). There is also evidence of erosion during the periods of 7–8 ka and 4–5 ka BP, which was associated with abrupt climatic and environmental changes.

The 14C age of humic substances in Paleosols

By comparing the radiocarbon age of the soils under burial mounds of known archaeological age with the surface-exposed (background) soils of the surrounding landscapes, we may evaluate the rates of humus renewal in these soils. In the cold climate of the mideastern areas of the Russian plains, the value of humus rejuvenation coefficient decreases. This shows that humus renewal is 5-10 times slower than in the warmer climate of the southern regions. Using the obtained data on the rejuvenation rate of humus substances, we can determine the age of paleosols and study the dynamics of the carbon exchange processes in the biosphere.

MESOLITHIC HUMAN BONES FROM THE UPPER VOLGA BASIN : RADIOCARBON AND TRACE ELEMENTS

Human bones from 3 Mesolithic sites in the Upper Volga basin were analyzed for trace elements, and dated by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). The radiocarbon dates of the bones correspond to the Mesolithic era. However, some dates differ from those obtained for the enclosing deposits and for the worked wood fragments in the cultural layer. The elemental composition of the bones is interpreted in terms of increased concentrations of some elements and their impact on human health and behavior.

MONKS AND ICON PAINTERS FROM THE SPASO-ANDRONIKOV MONASTERY, MOSCOW

In the Monastery of Our Saviour and St. Andronicus in Moscow, skeletal remains of clerics and of (possibly) famous icon painters were discovered. The bones were radiocarbon dated, nd concentrations of trace elements in bone tissues were measured. From tombs 1-4, the 14C dates obtained from human bones (likely monks) and from associated wood date to the 14th-15th centuries AD, as expected. Trace element concentrations indicate signs of fasting. Tomb 5 contained 2 burials; these could belong to the famous icon painters Rublev and Chernyi. Indeed, the bones show high concentrations of lead, zinc, and copper, which is typical for remains of artists and metallurgists. The 14C dates of the 2 skeletons, however, differ by 200 yr, and seem to be too old for Rublev and Chernyi. At this stage, it is not clear if the burials can be assigned to these painters.