Characteristics of the Yenisei River Left-Bank Terrace Deposits on the Territory of the Krasnoyarsk Forest-Steppe

Aim. We determine the nature and formation conditions of the Yenisei river left-bank terrace deposits of the Krasnoyarsk forest-steppe, based on the general characteristics and features of the macromorphological structure analysis of the 6-meter section. We also establish the type of modern soil formation and signs of the soil formation process in earlier eras.
Methodology. A detailed morphological study of the Yenisei river left-bank terrace section is performed at the archaeological site of Afontova Gora V (Krasnoyarsk forest-steppe). An analysis of the obtained characteristics is carried out; the features of the morphology (color and coloration, humidity, composition, structure, gran-size composition, porosity, units, inclusions, and character of horizon transition) of the Pleistocene sediments and the factors (ratio of heat and moisture, permafrost processes, activity of temporary and permanent watercourses, and nature of parent rocks) that influenced its formation are identified; and the type of modern soil is determined. Use is made of morphological and comparative descriptive methods.
Results. We have established the formation of modern soil [ordinary chernozem (black soil)] and the presence of three underdeveloped buried soil profiles. The development of solifluction processes at a depth of 484–500 cm and the presence of permafrost wedges from a depth of 546 cm indicate waterlogging of the territory and permafrost processes in past eras. The shallow subhorizontal layering at depths of 266–280 cm and 398–416 cm and small pebbles at a depth of 546 cm testify to the activity of temporary or weak permanent watercourses. Gleys are observed in the section from a depth of 164 cm, and new formations of carbonates are identified (from a depth of 55 cm). The grain-size composition varies from fine sand to heavy clay loam, the parent rocks of the modern soil are represented by loess-like loam, and the underlying rocks are red-brown middle clay loam.
Research implications. The results of the study of the section morphological properties show that the section was formed on a red-brown medium loam (redeposited Devonian material). Modern soil formation proceeds according to the type of ordinary chernozems; buried soils are underdeveloped. Solifluction processes and permafrost wedges formed in late Sartan time are revealed. 

The action of temporary or weak permanent watercourses is established. A detailed morphological description of the section at the Afontova Gora-V site is of practical importance for archaeological research, as well as for the formation of a database of territories suitable for scientific tourism.

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