Molluscs in Eemian-Vistulian deposits of the Kolodiiv section, Ukraine (East Carpathian Foreland) and their palaeoecological interpretation

Abstract

A profile of loess several metres thick with palaeosoils, underlain by calcareous gyttja, outcrops in Kolodiiv, Ukraine. Rich and diverse assemblages of molluscs have been found in these deposits. Three types of mollusc communities can be distinguished. The oldest is dominated by freshwater taxa and corresponds to calcareous gyttja of Eemian age. The next two assemblages contain only snails typical of loess. The first of these indicates a cold and dry climate and open environment of arctic steppe type, with rapid accumulation of loess; the second assemblage represents a cold and humid climate and a relatively moist, open environment of tundra type.