gesjGEOGRAPHY, ENVIRONMENT, SUSTAINABILITYGEOGRAPHY, ENVIRONMENT, SUSTAINABILITY2071-93882542-1565Russian Geographical Society10.24057/2071-9388-2025-4097gesj-4462Research ArticleRESEARCH PAPERСтатьиThe Chernobyl Signature in Western Abkhazia: Assessing ¹³⁷Cs Deposition Variability and Applicability for evaluation sediment redistribution ratesKuzmenkovaN. V.

119991, Moscow, Leninskie Gory. 1

kuzmenkovanv@my.msu.ruGolosovV. N.

119991, Moscow, Leninskie Gory 1

119017, Moscow, Staromonetny per. 29, str. 4

FominaA. K.

119991, Moscow, Leninskie Gory. 1

MarkelovM. V.

1192341, Moscow, Leninskiye Gory, bld. 751

ZaraiskiyN. P.

119991, Moscow, Leninskie Gory. 1

ZaretskayaN. E.

119017, Moscow, Staromonetny per. 29, str. 4

EremenkoE. A.

119991, Moscow, Leninskie Gory. 1

Lomonosov Moscow State University, Chemistry FacultyRussian FederationLomonosov Moscow State University,Faculty of Geography; Institute of Geography RASRussian FederationLomonosov Moscow State University,Faculty of GeographyRussian FederationJSC “Institute of Environmental Survey, Planning & Assessment”Russian FederationInstitute of Geography RASRussian Federation202530122026184127138Copyright © Kuzmenkova N.V., Golosov V.N., Fomina A.K., Markelov M.V., Zaraiskiy N.P., Zaretskaya N.E., Eremenko E.A., 20262026Kuzmenkova N.V., Golosov V.N., Fomina A.K., Markelov M.V., Zaraiskiy N.P., Zaretskaya N.E., Eremenko E.A.Kuzmenkova N.V., Golosov V.N., Fomina A.K., Markelov M.V., Zaraiskiy N.P., Zaretskaya N.E., Eremenko E.A.Данная работа распространяется под лицензией Creative Commons Attribution 4.0.This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.https://ges.rgo.ru/jour/article/view/4462

This study presents the first documented evidence of radioactive contamination in Western Abkhazia linked to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident. The data obtained show that the level of ¹³⁷Cs radioactive contamination in the study area ranged from 50 to 160 kBq/m² in 1986. This corresponds to contemporary values of 25 to 79 kBq/m² when considering the radionuclide’s half-life. These measurements are highly consistent with data recorded in the adjacent Sochi region, where contamination levels varied between 40 and 185 kBq/m² in 1986. The local spatial variability of ¹³⁷Cs fallout was studied at four reference sites, located in different parts of the Mussera upland. All investigated sites demonstrated moderate variability, with value ranges of 17–25%. This heterogeneous distribution pattern is attributed to a combination of factors, including local topography, atmospheric deposition characteristics, and anthropogenic influence. Measurements of ambient dose equivalent rates ranged from 0.01 to 0.05 μSv/h. While no direct correlation was found between dose rates and the age or genesis of the underlying bedrock, a clear relationship was established between dose rates and terrain morphology. Elevated dose rates were consistently recorded in erosional landforms within topographically dissected areas. Analysis of peat cores from the Pitsunda Peninsula lagoon provided conclusive evidence of the Chernobyl disaster’s impact on Western Abkhazia, with a measured ¹³⁷Cs inventory of 20.7 kBq/m² (equivalent to 49.5 kBq/m² when corrected to 1986 values). Application of the non-equilibrium ²¹⁰Pb dating method yielded a peat accumulation rate of 0.1 cm/year.

 The Chernobyl accident resulted in a significant release of ¹³⁷Cs, leading to widespread radioactive fallout. This document assesses the ¹³⁷Cs inventory and its impact on ambient dose rates in the affected regions.

reference value of Chernobyl-derived ¹³⁷Csdose ratetrend of initial fallout²¹⁰Pb datingMussera uplandThis work was carried out within the framework of the state task of the Department of Radiochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, «Solving problems of nuclear energy and environmental safety, as well as diagnostics of materials using ionising radiation» (project reg. number 122030200324-1) and of the state task of the Research Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Fluvial Processes of the Faculty of Geography of Lomonosov Moscow State University (project No. 121051100166-4). The expedition was organised with the support of «Cenozoic evolution of the environment, the dynamics of the relief, geomorphological hazards and risks of land-use» (project No. 121040100323-5).ReferencesAquino-López, M.A., Blaauw, M., Christen, J.A. et al. Bayesian Analysis of Pb Dating. JABES 23, 317–333 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13253-018-0328-7Aquino-López, M.A., Blaauw, M., Christen, J.A. et al. Bayesian Analysis of Pb Dating. JABES 23, 317–333 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13253-018-0328-7Balabanov I.P. Paleogeograficheskie predposylki formirovaniya sovremennykh prirodnykh usloviy i dolgosrochnyy prognoz razvitiya golotsenovykh terras Chernomorskogo poberezh’ya Kavkaza. Moskva-Vladivostok, «Dal’nauka», 2009, 352 s. (in Russian).Balabanov I.P. Paleogeograficheskie predposylki formirovaniya sovremennykh prirodnykh usloviy i dolgosrochnyy prognoz razvitiya golotsenovykh terras Chernomorskogo poberezh’ya Kavkaza. Moskva-Vladivostok, «Dal’nauka», 2009, 352 s. (in Russian).Buraeva, E.A., Bezuglova, O.S., Stasov, V.V., Nefedov, V.S., Dergacheva, E.V., Goncharenko, A.A., Martynenko, S.V., Goncharova, L.Yu., Gorbov, S.N., Malyshevsky, V.S., Varduny, T.V. (2015). Features of 137Cs distribution and dynamics in the main soils of the steppe zone in the southern European Russia. Geoderma 259–260, 259–270. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2015.06.014Buraeva, E.A., Bezuglova, O.S., Stasov, V.V., Nefedov, V.S., Dergacheva, E.V., Goncharenko, A.A., Martynenko, S.V., Goncharova, L.Yu., Gorbov, S.N., Malyshevsky, V.S., Varduny, T.V. (2015). Features of 137Cs distribution and dynamics in the main soils of the steppe zone in the southern European Russia. Geoderma 259–260, 259–270. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2015.06.014Chambers, F.M., Beilman, D.W., Yu, Z. (2010). Methods for determining peat humification and for quantifying peat bulk density, organic matter and carbon content for palaeostudies of climate and peatland carbon dynamics. Mires and Peat, 7(7), 1–10.Chambers, F.M., Beilman, D.W., Yu, Z. (2010). Methods for determining peat humification and for quantifying peat bulk density, organic matter and carbon content for palaeostudies of climate and peatland carbon dynamics. Mires and Peat, 7(7), 1–10.De Cort, M. (1998). Atlas of caesium deposition on Europe after the Chernobyl accident.De Cort, M. (1998). Atlas of caesium deposition on Europe after the Chernobyl accident.Efimov, V.V., Anisimov, A.E. (2011). Climatic parameters of wind-field variability in the Black Sea region: Numerical reanalysis of regional atmospheric circulation. Izv. Atmospheric Ocean. Phys. 47, 350–361. https://doi.org/10.1134/S0001433811030030Efimov, V.V., Anisimov, A.E. (2011). Climatic parameters of wind-field variability in the Black Sea region: Numerical reanalysis of regional atmospheric circulation. Izv. Atmospheric Ocean. Phys. 47, 350–361. https://doi.org/10.1134/S0001433811030030Ivanov M.M., Kuzmenkova N.V., Rozhkova A.K., Grabenko E.A., Grachev A.M., Golosov V.N., (2022). The anthropogenic fallout radionuclides in soils of Mount Khuko (the Western Caucasus) and their application for determination of sediment redistribution, Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 248, 106880, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2022.106880.Ivanov M.M., Kuzmenkova N.V., Rozhkova A.K., Grabenko E.A., Grachev A.M., Golosov V.N., (2022). The anthropogenic fallout radionuclides in soils of Mount Khuko (the Western Caucasus) and their application for determination of sediment redistribution, Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 248, 106880, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2022.106880.Evrard O., J. P. Laceby, H. Lepage, Y. Onda, O. Cerdan, S. Ayrault. (2015). Radiocesium transfer from hillslopes to the Pacific Ocean after the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant accident: a review. J. Environ. Radioact. 148, 92–110.Evrard O., J. P. Laceby, H. Lepage, Y. Onda, O. Cerdan, S. Ayrault. (2015). Radiocesium transfer from hillslopes to the Pacific Ocean after the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant accident: a review. J. Environ. Radioact. 148, 92–110.Eyrolle, F., Radakovitch, O., Raimbault, P. (2012). Consequences of hydrological events on the delivery of suspended sediment and associated radionuclides from the Rhône River to the Mediterranean Sea. J Soils Sediments 12, 1479–1495. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368012-0575-0Eyrolle, F., Radakovitch, O., Raimbault, P. (2012). Consequences of hydrological events on the delivery of suspended sediment and associated radionuclides from the Rhône River to the Mediterranean Sea. J Soils Sediments 12, 1479–1495. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368012-0575-0Förstner, U., et al. (2018). Sediment dynamics and pollutant mobility in rivers: An interdisciplinary approach. Springer.Förstner, U., et al. (2018). Sediment dynamics and pollutant mobility in rivers: An interdisciplinary approach. Springer.Foucher, A., Evrard, O., et al. (2015). Increased contribution of radionuclide deposition in mountainous areas: The case of the French Alps. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 148, 87-94.Foucher, A., Evrard, O., et al. (2015). Increased contribution of radionuclide deposition in mountainous areas: The case of the French Alps. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 148, 87-94.Frédéric Herman, Edward J. Rhodes, Jean Braun, Lukas Heiniger. (2010) Uniform erosion rates and relief amplitude during glacial cycles in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, as revealed from OSL-thermochronology, Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Volume 297, Issues 1–2, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2010.06.019.Frédéric Herman, Edward J. Rhodes, Jean Braun, Lukas Heiniger. (2010) Uniform erosion rates and relief amplitude during glacial cycles in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, as revealed from OSL-thermochronology, Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Volume 297, Issues 1–2, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2010.06.019.Golosov V.N., Ivanov M.M., Tsyplenkov A.S. (2021). Erosion as a factor of transformation of soil radioactive contamination in the basin of the Shchekino Reservoir (Tula Region). Eurasian Soil Sci 54:291–303. https://doi.org/10.1134/S106422932102006XGolosov V.N., Ivanov M.M., Tsyplenkov A.S. (2021). Erosion as a factor of transformation of soil radioactive contamination in the basin of the Shchekino Reservoir (Tula Region). Eurasian Soil Sci 54:291–303. https://doi.org/10.1134/S106422932102006XGolosov, V.N. (2002). Special considerations for areas affected by Chernobyl fallout. In: Zapata, F. (Ed.), Handbook for the Assessment of Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Using Environmental Radionuclides. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, pp. 165–183Golosov, V.N. (2002). Special considerations for areas affected by Chernobyl fallout. In: Zapata, F. (Ed.), Handbook for the Assessment of Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Using Environmental Radionuclides. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, pp. 165–183Golosov, V.N., Walling, D.E., Konoplev, A.V., Ivanov, M.M., Sharifullin, A.G. (2018). Application of bomb- and Chernobyl-derived radiocaesium for reconstructing changes in erosion rates and sediment fluxes from croplands in areas of European Russia with different levels of Chernobyl fallout. J. Environ. Radioact. 186, 78–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.06.022Golosov, V.N., Walling, D.E., Konoplev, A.V., Ivanov, M.M., Sharifullin, A.G. (2018). Application of bomb- and Chernobyl-derived radiocaesium for reconstructing changes in erosion rates and sediment fluxes from croplands in areas of European Russia with different levels of Chernobyl fallout. J. Environ. Radioact. 186, 78–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.06.022Golosov, V.N., Walling, D.E., Panin, A.V., Stukin, E.D., Kvasnikova, E.V., Ivanova, N.N. (1999). The spatial variability of Chernobyl-derived 137Cs inventories in a small agricultural drainage basin in central Russia. Applied Radiation and Isotopes 51, 341–352.Golosov, V.N., Walling, D.E., Panin, A.V., Stukin, E.D., Kvasnikova, E.V., Ivanova, N.N. (1999). The spatial variability of Chernobyl-derived 137Cs inventories in a small agricultural drainage basin in central Russia. Applied Radiation and Isotopes 51, 341–352.Golosov, V.N., Markelov, M.V., Belyaev, V.R., & Zhukova, O.M. (2008). Problemy opredeleniya prostranstvennoy neodnorodnosti vypadeniy ¹³⁷Cs dlya otsenki tempov erozionno-akkumulyativnykh protsessov [Problems of assessing spatial heterogeneity of ¹³⁷Cs fallout for evaluation of erosion-accumulation rates]. Meteorologiya i Gidrologiya, 4, 30-45 (in Russian).Golosov, V.N., Markelov, M.V., Belyaev, V.R., & Zhukova, O.M. (2008). Problemy opredeleniya prostranstvennoy neodnorodnosti vypadeniy ¹³⁷Cs dlya otsenki tempov erozionno-akkumulyativnykh protsessov [Problems of assessing spatial heterogeneity of ¹³⁷Cs fallout for evaluation of erosion-accumulation rates]. Meteorologiya i Gidrologiya, 4, 30-45 (in Russian).Higgitt, D.L., Froehlich, W., Walling, D.E. (1992). Applications and limitations of Chernobyl radiocaesium measurements in a Carpathian erosion investigation, Poland. Land Degradation and Rehabilitation 3, 15–26.Higgitt, D.L., Froehlich, W., Walling, D.E. (1992). Applications and limitations of Chernobyl radiocaesium measurements in a Carpathian erosion investigation, Poland. Land Degradation and Rehabilitation 3, 15–26.Improved Models for Estimating Soil Erosion Rates from Cesium‐137 Measurements - Walling - 1999 - Journal of Environmental Quality - Wiley Online Library [WWW Document], n.d. (accessed 4.26.25).Improved Models for Estimating Soil Erosion Rates from Cesium‐137 Measurements - Walling - 1999 - Journal of Environmental Quality - Wiley Online Library [WWW Document], n.d. (accessed 4.26.25).Ito, E., Miura, S., Aoyama, M., Shichi, K. (2020). Global 137Cs fallout inventories of forest soil across Japan and their consequences half a century later. J. Environ. Radioact. 225, 106421. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106421Ito, E., Miura, S., Aoyama, M., Shichi, K. (2020). Global 137Cs fallout inventories of forest soil across Japan and their consequences half a century later. J. Environ. Radioact. 225, 106421. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106421Ivanov, M.M. (2017). Geomorfologicheskiy podkhod k izucheniyu radioaktivnogo zagryazneniya malykh vodosborov v predelakh osvaivaemykh ravnin [Geomorphological approach to studying radioactive contamination in small catchments of cultivated plains]. Geomorfologiya i Paleogeografiya, (0), 30-45 (in Russian). https://doi.org/10.15356/0435-4281-2017-1-30-45Ivanov, M.M. (2017). Geomorfologicheskiy podkhod k izucheniyu radioaktivnogo zagryazneniya malykh vodosborov v predelakh osvaivaemykh ravnin [Geomorphological approach to studying radioactive contamination in small catchments of cultivated plains]. Geomorfologiya i Paleogeografiya, (0), 30-45 (in Russian). https://doi.org/10.15356/0435-4281-2017-1-30-45Izrael, Y.A. (2007). CHERNOBYL RADIONUCLIDE DISTRIBUTION AND MIGRATION. Health Phys. 93, 410–417. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.HP.0000285092.10598.41Izrael, Y.A. (2007). CHERNOBYL RADIONUCLIDE DISTRIBUTION AND MIGRATION. Health Phys. 93, 410–417. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.HP.0000285092.10598.41J.T. Smith, P.G. Appleby, J. Hilton, N. (1997). Richardson, Inventories and fluxes of 210Pb, 137Cs and 241Am determined from the soils of three small catchments in Cumbria, UK, Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 37, Issue 2. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0265931X(97)00003-9.J.T. Smith, P.G. Appleby, J. Hilton, N. (1997). Richardson, Inventories and fluxes of 210Pb, 137Cs and 241Am determined from the soils of three small catchments in Cumbria, UK, Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 37, Issue 2. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0265931X(97)00003-9.Benoit, G., Rozan, T.F., n.d. 210Pb and 137Cs dating methods in lakes: a retrospective study 12.Benoit, G., Rozan, T.F., n.d. 210Pb and 137Cs dating methods in lakes: a retrospective study 12.Kirchner, G. (2013). Establishing reference inventories of Cs-137 for soil erosion studies: methodological aspects. Geoderma 211, 107– 115. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2013.07.011.Kirchner, G. (2013). Establishing reference inventories of Cs-137 for soil erosion studies: methodological aspects. Geoderma 211, 107– 115. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2013.07.011.Kuchava, N., Imnadze, P., Nikolaishvili, I., Chkhartishvili, L. (2019). Case Study on Vertical Migration of 137Cs Radionuclide in Soil of Two Resorts in Georgia after 31 Years from Chernobyl Accident.Kuchava, N., Imnadze, P., Nikolaishvili, I., Chkhartishvili, L. (2019). Case Study on Vertical Migration of 137Cs Radionuclide in Soil of Two Resorts in Georgia after 31 Years from Chernobyl Accident.Kudelsky, A.V., Smith, J.T., Ovsiannikova, S.V., Hilton, J., 1996. Mobility of Chernobyl-derived 137Cs in a peatbog system within the catchment of the Pripyat River, Belarus. The Science of the Total Environment 188, 101-113.Kudelsky, A.V., Smith, J.T., Ovsiannikova, S.V., Hilton, J., 1996. Mobility of Chernobyl-derived 137Cs in a peatbog system within the catchment of the Pripyat River, Belarus. The Science of the Total Environment 188, 101-113.Kuzmenkova, N.V., Ivanov, M.M., Alexandrin, M.Y., Grachev, A.M., Rozhkova, A.K., Zhizhin, K.D., Grabenko, E.A., Golosov, V.N. (2020). Use of natural and artificial radionuclides to determine the sedimentation rates in two North Caucasus lakes. Environ. Pollut. 262, 114269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114269Kuzmenkova, N.V., Ivanov, M.M., Alexandrin, M.Y., Grachev, A.M., Rozhkova, A.K., Zhizhin, K.D., Grabenko, E.A., Golosov, V.N. (2020). Use of natural and artificial radionuclides to determine the sedimentation rates in two North Caucasus lakes. Environ. Pollut. 262, 114269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114269Kuzmenkova Natalia, Golosov Valentin, Ivanov Maxim, Alexandrin Mikhail, Korneva Irina, Grabenko Evgeny, Rozhkova Alexandra, Bykhalova Olga (2023). Bottom sediment radioactivity of the six Caucasus lakes located in different altitude zones. Environ Sci Pollut Res 30, 50690–50702. DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-25838-4Kuzmenkova Natalia, Golosov Valentin, Ivanov Maxim, Alexandrin Mikhail, Korneva Irina, Grabenko Evgeny, Rozhkova Alexandra, Bykhalova Olga (2023). Bottom sediment radioactivity of the six Caucasus lakes located in different altitude zones. Environ Sci Pollut Res 30, 50690–50702. DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-25838-4Le Roux, G., De Vleeschouwer, F., Piotrowska, N., et al. (2012). High-altitude peat bog records of atmospheric deposition in the European Alps. The Holocene, 22(7), 751–762. DOI: 10.1177/0959683611434223Le Roux, G., De Vleeschouwer, F., Piotrowska, N., et al. (2012). High-altitude peat bog records of atmospheric deposition in the European Alps. The Holocene, 22(7), 751–762. DOI: 10.1177/0959683611434223Linnik, V.G., Brown, J.E., Dowdall, M., Potapov, V.N., Surkov, V.V., Korobova, E.M., Volosov, A.G., Vakulovsky, S.M., Tertyshnik, E.G. (2005). Radioactive contamination of the Balchug (Upper Yenisey) floodplain, Russia in sedimentation processes and geomorphology. Sci. Total Environ. 399 (1–3), 233–251.Linnik, V.G., Brown, J.E., Dowdall, M., Potapov, V.N., Surkov, V.V., Korobova, E.M., Volosov, A.G., Vakulovsky, S.M., Tertyshnik, E.G. (2005). Radioactive contamination of the Balchug (Upper Yenisey) floodplain, Russia in sedimentation processes and geomorphology. Sci. Total Environ. 399 (1–3), 233–251.Linnik, V.G. (2011). Technogenic radionuclides in floodplains of the Techa and the middle part of the Yenisey Rivers. Vestnik (Series 5, Geography), 4. Moscow State University 24–30 (in Russian).Linnik, V.G. (2011). Technogenic radionuclides in floodplains of the Techa and the middle part of the Yenisey Rivers. Vestnik (Series 5, Geography), 4. Moscow State University 24–30 (in Russian).Lobb, D.A., Kachanoski, R.G., Miller, M.H. (1995). Tillage translocation and tillage erosion on shoulder slope landscape positions measured using cs-137 as a tracer. Canadian. Journal of Soil Science 75 (2), 211–218.Lobb, D.A., Kachanoski, R.G., Miller, M.H. (1995). Tillage translocation and tillage erosion on shoulder slope landscape positions measured using cs-137 as a tracer. Canadian. Journal of Soil Science 75 (2), 211–218.Łokas, E., Wachniew, P., Jodłowski, P., Gąsiorek, M. (2017). Airborne radionuclides in the proglacial environment as indicators of sources and transfers of soil material. J. Environ. Radioact. 178–179, 193–202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.08.018Łokas, E., Wachniew, P., Jodłowski, P., Gąsiorek, M. (2017). Airborne radionuclides in the proglacial environment as indicators of sources and transfers of soil material. J. Environ. Radioact. 178–179, 193–202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.08.018Loughran R. J., Elliott G. L., Campbell B. L. and Shelley D. J. (1988). Estimation of soil erosion from caesium-137 measurements in a small, cultivated cathment in Australia. Appl. Radiot. Isot. 39, 1153.Loughran R. J., Elliott G. L., Campbell B. L. and Shelley D. J. (1988). Estimation of soil erosion from caesium-137 measurements in a small, cultivated cathment in Australia. Appl. Radiot. Isot. 39, 1153.Martynenko, V.P., Linnik, V.G., Govorun, A.P. et al. Comparison of the Results of Field Radiometry and Sampling in the Investigation of 137Cs Soil Content in Bryansk Oblast. Atomic Energy 95, 727–733 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:ATEN.0000010992.31484.3c.Martynenko, V.P., Linnik, V.G., Govorun, A.P. et al. Comparison of the Results of Field Radiometry and Sampling in the Investigation of 137Cs Soil Content in Bryansk Oblast. Atomic Energy 95, 727–733 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:ATEN.0000010992.31484.3c.Oldfield, F., Richardson, N., Appleby, P.G. (1995). Radiometric dating (210Pb, 137Cs, 241Am) of recent ombrotrophic peat accumulation and evidence for changes in mass balance. The Holocene 5, 141–148. https://doi.org/10.1177/095968369500500202Oldfield, F., Richardson, N., Appleby, P.G. (1995). Radiometric dating (210Pb, 137Cs, 241Am) of recent ombrotrophic peat accumulation and evidence for changes in mass balance. The Holocene 5, 141–148. https://doi.org/10.1177/095968369500500202Oldfield, F., Wake, R., Boyle, J., et al. (1997). The late-Holocene history of Gormire Lake (NE England) and its catchment: A multiproxy reconstruction of past human impact. The Holocene, 7(1), 101-110.Oldfield, F., Wake, R., Boyle, J., et al. (1997). The late-Holocene history of Gormire Lake (NE England) and its catchment: A multiproxy reconstruction of past human impact. The Holocene, 7(1), 101-110.Owens, P.N., Walling, D.E. (1996). Spatial variability of caesium-137 inventories at reference sites: an example from two contrasting sites in England and Zimbabwe. Appl. Rad. Isot. 47, 699-707.Owens, P.N., Walling, D.E. (1996). Spatial variability of caesium-137 inventories at reference sites: an example from two contrasting sites in England and Zimbabwe. Appl. Rad. Isot. 47, 699-707.Pearson, E.J., et al. (2019). Peatland carbon accumulation in a warming world: A case study from New Zealand. Global Change Biology, 25(12), 4254-4268.Pearson, E.J., et al. (2019). Peatland carbon accumulation in a warming world: A case study from New Zealand. Global Change Biology, 25(12), 4254-4268.Pearson, E.J., Royles, J., Amesbury, M.J., et al. (2019). Peatland carbon accumulation in a warming world: A case study from New Zealand. Global Change Biology, 25(12), 4254–4268. DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14834Pearson, E.J., Royles, J., Amesbury, M.J., et al. (2019). Peatland carbon accumulation in a warming world: A case study from New Zealand. Global Change Biology, 25(12), 4254–4268. DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14834Roos-Barraclough, F., Shotyk, W., Norton, S.A. (2002). *A 14,500-year record of peat accumulation in Switzerland.* The Holocene, 12(6), 687–696.Roos-Barraclough, F., Shotyk, W., Norton, S.A. (2002). *A 14,500-year record of peat accumulation in Switzerland.* The Holocene, 12(6), 687–696.Sedighi, F., Darvishan, A.K., Golosov, V., Zare, M.R. (2020). Relationship between Mean Annual Precipitation and Inventories of Fallout Radionuclides (137Cs and 210Pbexcess) in Undisturbed Soils around the World: A Review. Eurasian Soil Sci. 53, 1332–1341. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1064229320090148Sedighi, F., Darvishan, A.K., Golosov, V., Zare, M.R. (2020). Relationship between Mean Annual Precipitation and Inventories of Fallout Radionuclides (137Cs and 210Pbexcess) in Undisturbed Soils around the World: A Review. Eurasian Soil Sci. 53, 1332–1341. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1064229320090148Shotyk, W., et al. (2002). A peat bog record of atmospheric Pb pollution since the Roman times. Science, 281(5383), 1635–1640.Shotyk, W., et al. (2002). A peat bog record of atmospheric Pb pollution since the Roman times. Science, 281(5383), 1635–1640.Sutherland, R.A. (1996). Caesium-137 soil sampling and inventory variability in reference locations: a literature survey. Hydrol. Processes 10, 43±53Sutherland, R.A. (1996). Caesium-137 soil sampling and inventory variability in reference locations: a literature survey. Hydrol. Processes 10, 43±53Tashilova, A.A., Ashabokov, B.A., Kesheva, L.A., Teunova, N.V. (2019). Analysis of Climate Change in the Caucasus Region: End of the 20th– Beginning of the 21st Century. Climate 7, 11. https://doi.org/10.3390/cli7010011Tashilova, A.A., Ashabokov, B.A., Kesheva, L.A., Teunova, N.V. (2019). Analysis of Climate Change in the Caucasus Region: End of the 20th– Beginning of the 21st Century. Climate 7, 11. https://doi.org/10.3390/cli7010011Tolonen, K., Warner, B.G., & Vasander, H. (1992). Ecology of Testaceans (Protozoa: Rhizopoda) in mires in southern Finland: I. Autecology. Archiv für Protistenkunde, 142(1-2), 119-138.Tolonen, K., Warner, B.G., & Vasander, H. (1992). Ecology of Testaceans (Protozoa: Rhizopoda) in mires in southern Finland: I. Autecology. Archiv für Protistenkunde, 142(1-2), 119-138.Tsitskishvili, M.S., Tsitskishvili, M.M., Chkhartishvili, A.G. (2020). Artificial Radionuclides in the Caucasus Int. Sci. Conf. “Modern Probl. Ecol. 7. (in Russian)Tsitskishvili, M.S., Tsitskishvili, M.M., Chkhartishvili, A.G. (2020). Artificial Radionuclides in the Caucasus Int. Sci. Conf. “Modern Probl. Ecol. 7. (in Russian)V. N. Golosov, “Special considerations for areas affected by Chernobyl fallout,”.In Zapata (ed.) Handbook for the Assessment of Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Using Environmental Radionuclides (Kluwer, Dordrecht, 2002),pp. 165–183.V. N. Golosov, “Special considerations for areas affected by Chernobyl fallout,”.In Zapata (ed.) Handbook for the Assessment of Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Using Environmental Radionuclides (Kluwer, Dordrecht, 2002),pp. 165–183.Van Pelt, R. S., Zobeck, T. M., Ritchie, J. C., & Gill, T. E. (2007). Validating the use of 137 Cs measurements to estimate rates of soil redistribution by wind. Catena, 70(3), 455–464. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2006.11.014Van Pelt, R. S., Zobeck, T. M., Ritchie, J. C., & Gill, T. E. (2007). Validating the use of 137 Cs measurements to estimate rates of soil redistribution by wind. Catena, 70(3), 455–464. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2006.11.014Varley A., A. Tyler, Y. Bondar, A. Hosseini, V. Zabrotski, M. Dowdall, (2018). Reconstructing the deposition 137Cs environment and longterm fate of Chernobyl at the floodplain scale through mobile gamma spectrometry, Environ. Pollut. 240, 191–199.Varley A., A. Tyler, Y. Bondar, A. Hosseini, V. Zabrotski, M. Dowdall, (2018). Reconstructing the deposition 137Cs environment and longterm fate of Chernobyl at the floodplain scale through mobile gamma spectrometry, Environ. Pollut. 240, 191–199.

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest present.