CHANGES IN THE CLIMATE AND DENDROFLORA OF THE NORTHEASTERN PART OF UKRAINE IN THE LATE MIOCENE—EARLY PLEISTOCENE (ACCORDING TO PALYNOLOGICAL DATA)

Abstract

The results of palynological studies serve as the basis for paleofloristic and paleoclimatic reconstructions. Plants are sensitive to changes in basic climatic parameters—heat and moisture. In this regard, the flora is a reliable indicator of changes in paleoclimatic conditions. The purpose of this study is the paleofloristic and paleoclimatic reconstructions of the late Miocene—early Pleistocene of the northeastern part of Ukraine based on palynological data. For the regions of Dnieper-Donetsk depression and the central part of the Donetsk folded structure, detailed reconstructions of paleoclimate changes from the late Miocene to the Pliocene based on palynological data are presented for the first time. The information on climatic changes during the Gelasian time of the early Pleistocene of these regions has been significantly supplemented. Paleoclimate reconstructions were carried out on the basis of analysis of the taxonomic composition of spore-pollen complexes and subcomplexes that characterize Upper Miocene-Lower Pleistocene sediments, analysis of ecological timing of individual taxa, as well as analysis of geographical elements of flora and patterns of changes in their relationships over time. It is established that the climate of the late Miocene, Pliocene, and early Pleistocene of the northeastern part of Ukraine was characterized by cyclicity of different frequencies and amplitude. Climatic optimums and pessimums traced in the specified period of time are characterized. The curves of changes in the main climate parameters of the northeastern part of Ukraine in the late Miocene-early Pleistocene are represented.