Glacial-Interglacial cycles in arid regions of northern Eurasia

Considering evolution of arid environments in northern Eurasia through the “glaciation-Interglacial” cycle the author adheres to the opinion as stated by I.P. Gerasimov. According to the latter, Pluvial stages in arid regions correspond to glaciations in the arcto-boreal zone, while xerothermal stages are synchronous to Interglacials. There are new paleofloristic evidence obtained in support of this opinion. In particular, it has been inferred from pollen spectra that during Pluvial stages boreal flora (including forest species) penetrated into the Caspian Lowland, Turanian Plain and to the Black Sea coast-i.e., the regions of dry steppes and deserts at present. At the xerothermal stages the typical steppe and desert landscapes of arid zone were restored.