Reconstruction of the paleo-environment and soil evolution of the Csípo˝-halom kurgan, Hungary

There are two explanations regarding the formation of the Hungarian Hortobágy steppes and associated saline areas. To assess the different opinions we carried out pedological, geochemical, mineralogical and malacological analyses in the Csípo˝-halom (Csípo˝-mound) kurgan. Our research shows that the landscape 6000 years ago was similar to today, an environmental patchwork of dry steppes, wetlands and alkaline areas. Since the construction of the mound, significant movement of chemical compounds composing the mound occurred. The depths of boundary surfaces were identified through pedological studies, and detailed geochemical analysis document similar signatures through time. Differences can be seen only in the location of the paleosoil level. The soil developed on the surface of the mound is again a steppe (Chernozem) soil formed under grass vegetation.