Macro-charcoal particles in lake sediments of North-Minusinsk Basin (South Siberia, Russia) as indicator of natural and human-induced paleo-fires

Abstract

Microscopic analysis of the core from the bottom sediments of Lake Shira (southern Siberia, Khakassia, Russia), have shown that for the last 100 years the sedimentation flux of charcoal particles sharply increased. This increase is consistent with the results for many lakes in the world and is presumably due to the current increase in anthropogenic impact, both in the form of accidental and deliberate arson, and in the form of burning wood and coal for heating residential buildings and recreation in the area adjacent to the lake. A flux of charcoal particles >100 μm into Lake Shira was estimated base on sedimentation traps in 2012-2019. It was shown that the particle flux increasing from October to May, which can be explained by two factors: the burning of fuel from surrounding villages at cold time and fires of steppe in April-May. During the warm season, this flow are significantly decreased, therefore, a impact of campfires is likely minor compare to village sources. Our data show a significant contribution of  anthropogenic factors to the flow of coal particles from burning fuel and spring fires.