Preliminary results of palynological analysis for Pleistocene layers 12-17 in the east chamber of Denisova cave

This paper discusses the results of palynological analysis for deposits from the middle and lower sections (layers 12-17) of Pleistocene strata in the East Chamber of Denisova Cave. Samples from layer 17.2 indicate cold climatic conditions. The spectra from the lower and upper sections of layer 17.1 designate a milder climate and the subsequent fall in temperature, respectively. Layers 16 and 15 contained isolated pollen grains. Sedimentation of layers 14 and 13 occurred during the interglacial period in significantly warmer climatic conditions than the present-day environment. The formation of deposits from layer 12.3 and the lower section of layer 12.2 corresponds to the harsh glacial climate. The upper section of layer 12.2 and layer 12.1 appear to have been accumulated in the interglacial or interstadial environments. A preliminary comparison between the reconstructed palaeo-environmentalphases and the Samarovo glaciation, Shirtinsky interglacial as well as the Tazovsky glaciation has been carried out.