Identification of Ancient Anthropogenic Activities in Steppe Regions on the Basis of Holocene Deposits in the Southeastern Part of Rostov Oblast

The gully system of the Sal and Don Rivers in the southeastern part of Rostov oblast was surveyed; the collected data indicate that Holocene deposits occupy a significant area and show high diversity. Accumulation of Holocene deposits in different areas was determined by local specifics, exogenous processes, landforms, parent rocks, and other factors. The following types of Holocene deposits were identified: (1) deposits on negative landforms (floodplain and first terrace above the floodplain) formed by alluvial, deluvial, and, to a certain extent, eolian processes; (2) deposits on the second terrace above the floodplain formed at the end of the Khvalynian stage of the Caspian Sea and during the new euxinic stage of the Black Sea; and (3) intermediate forms of Holocene deposits in minor depressions. The deposit accumulation history on negative and positive landforms is determined by the presence of contrasting stages reflecting changes in the external environment. The identified Holocene deposits of different ages turned out to be confined to archaeological artifacts indicating short-term habitats of nomadic cattle herders in various epochs. This makes it possible to identify and subsequently research “invisible” early human sites and obtain additional data on anthropogenic impacts on steppe resource areas in ancient times.