Rock-Magnetism and Granulometry of Late Palaeolithic Sites in the Tunka Rift Valley (Pribaikalie) as a Tool for Reconstruction of Sedimentary Environment

Geological structure, rock-magnetic properties and grain size composition of Late Pleistocene-Holocene sediments containing archaeological horizons with cultural relics have been studied in the Tunka rift valley near Lake Baikal at two archaeological sites: “Tuyana” and “Zaktui”. The closely neighboured sites are in a different geomorphological position: Tuyana is located on the valley slope, while Zaktui sits on the second terrace of Irkut river. The combined analysis of the granulometric and rock-magnetic parameters specifies the genetic deposition types and clarifies the general structure of both sections so that the sedimentation environment in the second half of the Late Pleistocene and Holocene could be reconstructed.