Vol. 337 No. 9 (2026)
DOI https://doi.org/10.18799/24131830/2026/9/5295
Dynamics of the Punsi tract landscapes (Western Siberia) in the Holocene and their impact on ancient populations: evidence from paleoecological and biogeochemical studies
Relevance. The study of Holocene paleoecological conditions in Western Siberia and their impact on ancient human populations is a crucial research objective. Peatlands serve as vital paleoarchives and major carbon reservoirs, enabling the reconstruction of landscape dynamics and human adaptation strategies. This is particularly relevant for understudied regions with a high density of archaeological sites, such as the Punsi locality. Aim. To reconstruct the dynamics of plant communities and peatland formation processes during the Holocene in the vicinity of Lake Bolshoe Kayukovo, assess their impact on ancient populations, and evaluate the role of these peatlands in carbon sequestration. Methods. An integrated methodology was employed, involving the extraction of peat cores followed by stratigraphic, botanical (plant macrofossil analysis), and geochemical analyses (determination of carbon and nitrogen content, ash content, bulk density, and pH). Results. The authors have reconstructed a consistent succession from eutrophic (woody-herbaceous communities) to oligotrophic (Sphagnum communities) stages of peatland development. They established high carbon stocks in the 10-cm layer (up to 11.9 kg/m2) and significant spatial variability in peat properties. Paludification was reconstructed, which led to the transformation of the habitat and partial burial of archaeological sites. Conclusions. The findings contribute to understanding the mechanisms of interaction between natural processes and human communities in the past. The comprehensive approach allows for the reconstruction of ancient population adaptation to landscape changes and highlights the critical role of Western Siberian peatlands in the global carbon cycle.
For citation: Kulik A.A., Batrshina V.R., Zarov E.A., Girchenko E.A., Kardash O.V. Lapshina, E.D. Dynamics of the Punsi tract landscapes (Western Siberia) in the Holocene and their impact on ancient populations: evidence from paleoecological and biogeochemical studies. Bulletin of the Tomsk Polytechnic University. Geo Assets Engineering, 2026, vol. 337, no. 9, pp. 236–251. http://doi.org/10.18799/24131830/2026/9/5295
Keywords:
peat cores, plant macrofossils, botanical composition, carbon accumulation, peatland formation dynamics, paleoecology, Holocene paleoclimate, ancient human adaptation, Western Siberia, Lake Bolshoe Kayukovo
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