Late Pleistocene permafrost phenomena in the European part of the USSR and their significance for palaeoclimatic reconstructions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26485/BP/1986/30/3Keywords:
wedge structures, host material significance, model of polygonal evolution, Volhynia-Podolia UplandAbstract
Over the last decade, extensive data have been collected on the distribution and evolution of Pleistocene permafrost structures in the European part of the USSR. More than 100 cross-sections now document relic cryogenic features, particularly polygonal wedge structures, predominantly in the north but also significantly in southern regions such as the Volhynia-Podolia Upland. These structures have been mapped and categorized based on morphology, stratigraphic context, and preservation state, offering insights into paleogeographic and paleoclimatic reconstructions. Comparative analysis of polygonal networks across distant locations reveals remarkable morphological similarity, supporting the existence of a widespread Late Pleistocene permafrost zone. The study emphasizes the significance of heavy moraine sediments in preserving cryogenic forms and details a multi-stage model of polygonal evolution – from active permafrost formation to final fossilization. Such structures enable reconstructions of ground temperature, permafrost thickness, and sedimentary fabric, providing a robust framework for understanding Quaternary permafrost dynamics and their climatic implications.
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