Pages: 454-466

The Upper Paleolithic site Bolshaya  Akkarzha is situated in the western steppe zone of Eastern Europe (Northern Black Sea coastal area, Ukraine). Archaeological, lithological, palynological and palaeontological studies were carried out there. Palynological studies were realized in 40 samples from two lithologically identical sections made at a distance of 10 m from each other. The vegetation and climate during the Wurmian glaciation maximum (18.0-19.0 ka BP) corresponding to cultural Paleolithic layer were reconstructed. Xerophylous and periglacial steppes were widespread in condition of dry and cold climate. A better climate caused an increase in birch-pine forest areas and appearance of some broad-leaved trees – Quercus, Carpinus, Corylus, etc. The palynological conclusions about predominance of open steppe landscape during the maximum of Wurmian glaciation were confirmed by palaeontological data on bison bone findings.