Lithology and stratigraphy of loess-soil series and cultural layers of Late Paleolithic campsites in Eastern Europe

Comparative analysis of the Late Paleolithic cultural layer occurrence in different regions of the East European Plain provided new materials on the Late Pleistocene chronostratigraphy. A majority of known sites are located within the areas of Late Pleistocene loess of eolian origin. It is not uncommon that loess forms only the upper member of the enclosing deposits overlying the cultural layer. Numerous radiocarbon dates available at present not only allow definition of the age of the sites themselves, but also elucidation of the sequence of changes in climate and environments reflected in horizons of paleosols and cryogenic formations. The sedimentary series enclosing the Late Paleolithic cultural layers differ from the surrounding area in completeness of stratigraphic record and in sequence of cycles of sedimentogenesis. The ground surface at the campsites was stable at the time when eolian sedimentation on the surrounding areas was gaining in intensity. It is not inconceivable that the sites were chosen for human dwelling due to this specific feature.