Abstract

Sedimentation processes in Manych Spillway during Khvalynean transgression is studied on the basis of geomorphology of channel, accumulative bars, lithology of channel sediments, paleontology, paleomagnetic properties. It was reconstructed timing of spillway activity in time span 17–14 ca BP. Within this time was three generation of accumulative bars related to three high stands of Early Khvalynean transgression (+50,+35,+22 m asl.)was mapped and three-times infilling of Manych valley and water sources, salinity and water dynamics was reconstructed. Manych Spillway sediments is seems to be cryo-suspensites resulting from rapid melting of permafrost and activation of solifluction and characterized by avalanche and even hurricane rate of sedimentation. Water discharge calculations across Manych channel. In Zunda-Tolga gorge shows amount of water flow in maximum of Khvalynean transgression +50 m. asl. near 10 000 m³/s or similar to recent Volga discharge. Human settlements Kamennaia Balka and Yulovskaia on the coast of Manych spillway was studied. Upper Paleolithic site Yulovskaia was dated by ¹⁴C method on the base of three Oxford laboratory dates: 16650 ± 220 (ОхА – 9510). 17450 ± 400 (ОхА – 9511). 15290 ± 260 (ОхА – 95555) and set of very close dates from middle culture layer of Kamennaia Balka. Early Man activity and interaction with Manych spillway was studied.

Keywords: Manych-Kerch Spillway, Late Pleistocene, channel sedimentation, accumulative bars, lithology, water discharge, Early Khvalynean transgression, Late Paleolithic human activity.