MATERIALS OF THE KONSTANTINOVSKAYA CULTURE FROM THE TEMERNITSKOYE FORTIFIED SETTLEMENT

В 2017-2018 гг. на территории Темерницкого городища в центральной части г. Ростова-на-Дону было обнаружено поселение энеолитического времени (константиновская культура). В статье отдельно рассмотрены эти материалы, представленные в подавляющем большинстве керамикой и кремневыми изделиями (рис. 2-4). Часть их находилась в переотложенном состоянии - в разрушенном слое или хозяйственных ямах первых веков н. э. Оставшаяся половина найдена в нижних практически стерильных слоях предматерика и в заполнении двух выявленных рвов энеолитического времени (рис. 1). Единственный сохранившийся участок культурного слоя исследован в западной части раскопа. Именно с этого участка происходят два шила, обогащенная медная руда и несколько фрагментов неорнаментированных стенок сосудов с примесью раковины. Находки из металла (2 шила, плоская капля металла, медная руда) проанализированы на микрофлуоресцентном рентгеновском спектрометре (рис. 5). По совокупности технологических, морфологических и орнаментальных признаков керамики энеолитический слой Темерницкого городища можно атрибутировать ранним этапом константиновской культуры Нижнего Подонья. Помимо эпонимного поселения наиболее близки к найденным материалы нижнего горизонта Ливенцовского поселения и слой 6 поселения Раздорское I. К исследованным материалам энеолитического времени Темерницкого городища хронологически близким является погребение, обнаруженное на территории грунтового некрополя Темерницкого городища. In 2017-2018 an Eneolithic settlement (attributed to the Konstantinovskaya culture) was discovered in the territory of the Temernitskoye fortified site in the center of Rostov-on-the-Don. The paper considers these materials represented mostly_by ceramics and flint items (Fig. 2-4). Some of them were redeposited and found in a disturbed layer or household pits dating to first centuries AD. The remainder items were found in bottom and practically sterile layers over the virgin soil and in the fill of two identified Eneolithic ditches (Fig. 1). The only surviving section of the cultural layer was examined in the western part of the excavation area. It yielded two awls, enriched copper ore and several undecorated walls of shell-tempered vessels. Metal finds (two awls, a flat metal drop, copper ore) were analyzed by an X-ray microfluorescence spectrometer (Fig. 5). Based on technological, morphological and decorative characteristics of the ceramics, the Eneolithic layer of the Temernitskoye fortified settlement can be attributed to the early stage of the Konstantinovskaya culture of the Lower Don region. Besides the eponymic settlement, the materials retrieved from the lower horizon at the Liventsovka settlement and layer 6 from Razdorskaya I are the closest to the finds. A burial found in the necropolis of the Temernitskoye fortified settlement is chronologically close to the examined Eneolithic materials found at the Temernitskoye settlement.

Microstratigraphic Analysis of Fossil Distribution in the Lower Hornerstown and Upper Navesink Formations at the Edelman Fossil Park, NJ

Maastrichtian–Danian sediments of the Navesink and Hornerstown formations at the Jean and Ric Edelman Fossil Park of Rowan University in Mantua Township, New Jersey, have long intrigued paleontologists. Within the basal Hornerstown Formation occurs the Main Fossiliferous Layer (MFL), a regionally well-known and diverse bonebed. The lithostratigraphic and chronostratigraphic position of this fossil layer have been debated for more than 50 years, fueling debate over its origin. Herein, we present the results of a microstratigraphic analysis of the fossil composition and distribution of the MFL undertaken to rectify these discrepancies. Through methodical top-down excavation, we recorded the three-dimensional position of every fossil encountered. Three-dimensional visualization and analyses of these data in ArcGIS Pro yielded an unprecedented view of this bonebed. Most reported discrepancies about the stratigraphic placement and thickness of the MFL can be explained by the presence of two distinct fossil assemblages within this interval that are occasionally combined into a single bonebed. The stratigraphically-lower assemblage, herein termed an “oyster layer”, is geometrically-tabular and exhibits low taxonomic diversity, high abundance of the oyster Pycnodonte, and moderate taxonomic richness. The stratigraphically-higher assemblage, the MFL, occurs approximately 9 cm higher in section and exhibits high values of taxonomic diversity, fossil abundance, and taxonomic richness. Sedimentological homogeneity throughout this interval suggests that these faunal contrasts arise from the two assemblages having formed via independent taphonomic pathways. Specifically, prevalence of Pycnodonte in the oyster layer implies formation by a selective mortality event, whereas the diversity of the MFL appears to reflect a more universal agent of mortality. Spatial variations in the stratigraphic distribution of fossils within the MFL in our excavation area indicate this assemblage does not form a simple, tabular layer as previously thought and may, in part, record original bathymetry. Importantly, our definition of the MFL and detailed characterization of its stratigraphic placement are essential for future studies on the taphonomic origin and chronostratigraphy of this bonebed. Universal use of this definition would allow researchers to confidently elucidate the exact lithostratigraphic positions of precise chronostratigraphic indicators within the MFL and accurately estimate the degree of time averaging of its fossils.

Traceological Study of Stone Tools in the Settlement of Saka Time Abilay, Central Kazakhstan

According to modern data, about 60 small settlements have been discovered on the territory of Central Kazakhstan, dating back to the time of the Tasmola culture (VIII–V centuries BC). Since 2016, annual excavations have been carried out at the Abylai settlement, which is located in the Karaganda region. In the excavation area, in addition to fragments of pottery and animal bones, over 480 stone tools were found. In the fall of 2020, for the first time, traceological studies of stone tools were carried out, the results of which are reflected in this article. Of the 150 copies, 139 were identified as functions. Of these, 130 tools were used in various industries. According to quantitative data, tools for cultivating the land are in first place – 57.3%, followed by tools for processing vegetation (24.5%), leatherworking (10.2%), for straightening metal products (whetstones, 8%). It is planned to continue the ongoing research on stone tools.

Pezmogty 3B - a small Neolithic dwelling on the Middle Vychegda (Komi Republic)

The paper publishes the results of a study of complex B of Pezmogty 3 site. The author has studied traces and remains of a depressed small dwelling with an excavation area of 81 m. The spatial distribution of artefacts, faunal remains and their association with deposits of different genesis have been analysed. It is defined that the studied structure was rounded in the plan, 3,0-3,5 m in diameter, 7-9,5 m in area, and, probably, a cone-shaped roof. The assemblage contains stone objects, fragments of ceramic ware and indeterminable items, fragments of calcified bones. The morphology of the flint arrowheads; the signs of secondary bifacial thinning technology; the ceramic pots, made of clay with an admixture of silt and decorated with a comb-pit ornament, allow us to attribute these materials to the Lyalovo culture in the European North-East and date them to the first half of the V millennium B.C. Until now, the most informative data for the study of this culture in north-eastern Europe were the remains of medium and large dwellings with an area of 26 to 100 m, so the published materials expand our understanding of the way of life and house-building traditions of the Middle Neolithic people of this region.

A UAV-GPR Fusion Approach for the Characterization of a Quarry Excavation Area in Falconara Albanese, Southern Italy

The characterization of a quarry site which is suitable for railway ballast aggregate production represents a big challenge for the mining industry. The knowledge of structural discontinuities within local geological materials is fundamental to guide mining operations, optimize investments, and guarantee quarry security. This research work presents an innovative methodology for the subsurface investigation of a quarry excavation area down to a depth of about 50 m in Falconara Albanese, Calabria, Italy. The proposed methodological approach incorporates photogrammetry, drone technology, and GPR data acquisition and processing. Photogrammetry represents the first step for obtaining a 3D topographical model reconstruction of the whole quarry, helping to detail the acquisition approach and properly plan the subsequent drone survey. In particular, two 120 MHz antennas have been mounted on the drone and two profiles have been acquired above and across the quarry. Results show the presence of fractured material and demonstrate the applicability of the method for identification of areas that are more suitable for railway ballast production. The presented method is therefore capable of detecting subsurficial fractures at a quarry site by means of a relatively fast and cost-effective procedure. Results are achieved within the framework of an industry project.

Impact of Construction Method and Ground Composition on Headrace Tunnel Stability in the Neelum–Jhelum Hydroelectric Project: A Case Study Review from Pakistan

During underground construction, the behavior of the ground is influenced by characteristics of the rock mass with situ stresses and ground water, cross section of the excavation area, excavation method, and the rate of excavation. These fundamental features are considered to ensure the support and stability of underground excavations and achieve long-term successful operation. However, the ground composition of the Himalayas hinders tunnel excavation, especially in case of mechanized tunneling; this causes time and cost overruns. This study has reviewed the recently completed Neelum–Jhelum Hydroelectric Project; the project complexities, geological environments involving significant overburden and tectonic stresses, and effects of the excavation method on tunnel stability were analyzed. The major challenges that were encountered during construction are discussed herein along with their countermeasures. An analysis of project-related data reveals that latest techniques and approaches considering rock mechanics were used to complete the project; the existing approaches and methods were accordingly verified and extended. Apart from ground composition, the excavation methods used play an important role in the occurrence of severe rock bursts. Thus, the findings of this study are expected to be helpful for future tunneling projects in the Himalayas.

Analysis of electric consumption: a study in the excavation area of the modern coal mine

The growth in the power supply of coal mines over the past decades has had a significant impact on their power consumption. The use of outdated materials for assessing the coal mine energy characteristics may lead to large calculation errors. At the same time, the problem of reducing the energy intensity of coal mining does not lose its relevance. However, in order to achieve it, it is necessary to take into account the current level of development of the mechanized complex of excavation areas. The widespread introduction of SCADA systems and the development of methods for big data processing makes it possible to collect large arrays of measurements and study the power consumption of mining equipment. In this paper, on the basis of extensive arrays of electrical load measurements and technological parameters, a statistical analysis of the load of a modern Eickhoff SL 900 longwall shearer of the Kuzbass coal mine is carried out.