Lacustrine sedimentation during the Middle Neopleistocene in the Timan-Pechora-Vychegda region

The object of research is Middle Neopleistocene lacustrine deposits in the Timan-Pechora-Vychegda region. In the article we present the results of the lithological and palynological studies of sediments. The granulometric and mineralogic composition of lacustrine deposits was studied to determine their sedimentary conditions and to find the opportunity of using the lithological data for the stratigraphic subdivision and correlation of sediments. The deposits were investigated by the palynological method to determine the stratigraphic position of rock bodies. The specific features of the granulometric and mineralogical composition of Chirva (Likhvin) and Rodionovo (Shklov) lacustrine sediments were identified. In some cases the relationship of lithological composition of lacustrine deposits with the lithology of underlying tills was established. There are two climatic optima in the palynological spectra from Chirva sediments: the Lower optimum - greater participation of pollen of Pinus sylvestris and broad-leaved species (up to 10%); in the Upper optimum - pollen of Picea sp. and Pinus sylvestris predominate, the pollen of Picea sect. Omorica and broad-leaved species are observed sporadically. Some more xerophilous species and a larger part of pollen of pine, birch, Chenopodiaceae, Artemisia are found in the composition of the Rodionovo flora compared to Chirva palynological assemblages.