A post-IR IRSL chronology and dust mass accumulation rates of the Nosak loess-palaeosol sequence in northeastern Serbia

In the Middle Danube Basin, Quaternary deposits are widely distributed in the Vojvodina region where they cover about 95% of the area. Major research during the last two decades has been focused on loess deposits in the Vojvodina region. During this period, loess in the Vojvodina region has become one of the most important Pleistocene European continental climatic and environmental records. Here we present the dating results of 15 samples taken from the Nosak loess-palaeosol sequence in northeastern Serbia in order to establish a chronology over the last three glacial–interglacial cycles. We use the pIRIR₂₉₀ signal of the 4–11 μm polymineral grains. The calculated ages are within the error limits partially consistent with the proposed multi-millennial chronostratigraphy for Serbian loess. The average mass accumulation rate for the last three glacial–interglacial cycles is 265 g m⁻² a⁻¹, which is in agreement with the values of most sites in the Carpathian Basin. Our results indicate a highly variable deposition rate of loess, especially during the MIS 3 and MIS 6 stages, which is contrary to most studies conducted in Serbia where linear sedimentation rates were assumed.     

Chronology of late Pleistocene Pampa loess from the Córdoba area in Argentina

In Argentina, loess/palaeosol sequences were studied from the two sections at Monte Ralo and Corralito, located near to the city of Córdoba in the east of the Pampean ranges. Infrared optically stimulated luminescence (IRSL) and thermoluminescence (TL) dating techniques were applied to set up a more reliable chronological framework for the Upper Pleistocene loess record. IRSL ages increase with depth and are stratigraphically consistent. The oldest loess exposed correlates at least to the penultimate glaciation. The luminescence dating study gives evidence for humid climate conditions with soil formation during the last interglacial period and the middle pleniglacial correlating to Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5 and 3, respectively. Three extended periods of soil formation are recorded in the loess/palaeosol sequences at the Corralito section. These buried soils most likely correlate with the last interglacial and early last glacial period. During the Middle Pleniglacial, two palaeosols are intercalated in the loess successions. In the Córdoba area, the periods of increased loess accumulation and deposition of loessic sediments correlate with more arid and glacial periods during the Early Pleniglacial, the Middle Pleniglacial and the Late Glacial. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

汉江上游庹家湾剖面化学风化特征及其意义

通过对庹家湾黄土剖面元素的分析,揭示汉江上游地区黄土中常量元素的地球化学行为及对气候变化的响应。用X-Ray荧光光谱仪、MS-2型磁化率仪分别测量了庹家湾剖面元素含量及磁化率值,实验结果显示:庹家湾剖面的风成黄土化学成分以SiO₂、Al₂O₃和Fe₂O₃为主,三者含量分别为355.83 g/kg、79.62 g/kg、62.64 g/kg;以Ti为参比,Na、Ca、Mg、Si、K表现为迁移淋失,Fe、Al元素相对富集,元素的活动性及其迁移序列为Na > Ca > Mg > Si > K > Al > Fe;Fe和Al元素含量曲线及CIA曲线在228~260 cm（L₁~S₁）和294~370 cm（L₁~S₂）深度处出现明显的峰值,并与磁化率曲线呈现出高度一致性,指示该层化学风化程度明显高于典型黄土,接近于古土壤（S₀）,OSL年龄在27.5~21.5 ka B.P.之间。庹家湾剖面常量元素在剖面的变化,表明在汉江上游地区晚更新世末期的气候并非是持续干燥寒冷,而是存在一定的气候波动,在27.5~21.5 ka B.P.期间风化成壤作用较为明显,气候相对温暖湿润。     

鲁北平原晚第四纪地层结构及沉积演化

以54个浅层新钻孔和多个野外露头为研究对象,综合沉积物粒度、薄片、微体古生物、孢粉、14C测年及静力触探等资料,分析了鲁北平原晚第四纪的地层结构和沉积类型,总结了晚更新世晚期以来的沉积演化。研究表明,末次冰期盛冰期到冰后期,受地势、气候条件控制的黄河河道迁移和海水进退是影响地层结构和沉积特征的主要因素,南北地层结构差异明显,发育古河道、湖沼、黄土、三角洲、潮坪和滨浅海等沉积类型,其中古河道分布面积最广,自下而上可划分为三期。晚更新世晚期至早全新世早期,受干冷气候影响,发育第Ⅰ期古河道,小清河以南沉积黄土层;早全新世晚期至中全新世,气候转暖导致海平面升高,沿海地区形成海侵层和三角洲,内陆地区继承性发育第Ⅱ期古河道和湖沼沉积;中全新世末期或晚全新世以来,受黄河泛滥影响,沉积第Ⅲ期古河道和现代黄河三角洲。地层结构和沉积物分布的研究对于分析地下水位的变化规律,以及选择合适的地震激发层等均有重要的指导意义。     

A 180 ka record of environmental change at Erdut (Croatia): a new chronology for the loess–palaeosol sequence and its implications for environmental interpretation

While there are numerous thick loess–palaeosol sequences preserved across the Carpathian Basin, well dated sites that provide terrestrial palaeoenvironmental records extending beyond last glacial–interglacial cycle are scarce. Robust chronologies are essential for correlations of loess with other long-term Quaternary records and to further understanding of the palaeoenvironment and climate of this important region beyond the last 125 ka. Here a new geochronology based on 13 post-infrared infrared stimulated luminescence ages focused on the lower part of the loess–palaeosol sequence at Erdut is presented. The results show that the lower part of the Erdut profile spans the penultimate glacial cycle (MIS 7 to MIS 5). The considerable sediments overlaying the investigated part of the profile suggest that this section spans two glacial cycles, rather than the previously suggested one. The most likely source of the discrepancy is the use of uncorrected infrared stimulated luminescence signal, which can cause age underestimation if not accounted for. This study demonstrates the need to revisit sites such as Erdut, re-date them using updated measurement protocols, and update existing palaeoenvironmental interpretations.     

Palaeoclimatic inferences from upper Palaeozoic siltstone of the Earp Formation and equivalents, Arizona-New Mexico (USA)

The Late Palaeozoic configuration of Pangaea contributed to a palaeoclimatic extreme that was characterized by both icehouse and monsoonal conditions. This study uses sedimentological, geochemical, and provenance data from silty facies of the Earp and equivalent Supai Formations (Arizona, New Mexico) to shed light on atmospheric circulation and glacial–interglacial climate change in westernmost equatorial Pangaea. Five silt‐rich facies comprise both loessite and marine and fluvially reworked loessite. An initial aeolian origin for the silt is indicated by the remarkably invariant grain size and the laterally continuous, sheet‐like geometry of beds. The silt‐rich facies occur in repetitive facies associations (1–20 m scale) that form mixed continental‐marine (loess, marine‐reworked loess), shallow‐marine, and continental (loess, palaeosol) ‘sequences’. Facies repetitions of both mixed continental‐marine and shallow‐marine sequences reflect a linked glacioeustatic–glacioclimatic control, whereas the continental (loess–palaeosol) couplets reflect a primary glacial–interglacial climatic cyclicity linked to glacioeustasy. Stratigraphic interpretations suggest that aeolian silt flux maximized during glacial to incipient interglacial stages (lowstand to early transgression), and decreased significantly or ceased during interglacials (highstand to early falling stage). Detrital‐zircon geochronological data indicate a transition from dominantly north‐easterly winds during the Middle Pennsylvanian to north‐westerly and south‐easterly winds by the Early Permian, which trend is inferred to reflect the onset of monsoonal circulation in western Pangaea. Relative grain‐size data support the detrital‐zircon data, and exhibit a significant decrease from the Sedona arch/Central Arizona shelf (north) to the Pedregosa basin (south) sections. Whole‐rock geochemical data suggest a relatively unweathered source for the silt in the north, and detrital‐zircon data indicate significant silt was derived from the local basement. These large piles of silt(stone) preserve valuable information for reconstructing both long‐term evolution in atmospheric circulation and short‐term fluctuations in glacial–interglacial climate. Many such indicators for long have been applied to ‘recent’ (Plio‐Pleistocene) loess, but are equally applicable to ‘deep‐time’ strata.     

五十万年来毛乌素沙漠的变迁

对沙漠-黄土边界带的古风成砂-黄土-古土壤序列的研究表明，毛乌素沙漠至少在0.5MaB.P.就已出现，但也并非从其出现之初就持续至今。沙漠-黄土边界带的风成沉积所记录的沙丘活化和固定的多次转变是第四纪时期毛乌素沙漠对气候振荡响应的结果。五十万年来，沙漠-黄土边界带的石峁剖面记录了13层古风成砂，代表了13次沙漠大规模的南侵。沙漠的南侵不仅可以发生在冰期鼎盛之时，同样也可以发生在间冰期中的寒冷气候幕出现之时。此外，鉴于沙漠-黄土边界带具有气候敏感性的特点，石峁剖面的地层记录还表明了第四纪时期不仅有冷期与暖期的多次旋回，而且冷期和暖期发生时还有次一级的气候波动。     

The Požarevac loess–paleosol sequence: a record of increased aridity in the south-eastern margin of the Carpathian Basin during the last 350 ka

The loess sequence preserved in the Požarevac brickyard in north-eastern Serbia comprises eight loess units separated by seven paleosols. Geochronological investigation using amino acid racemization and luminescence dating support stratigraphic correlations of loess units L3, S2LL1 and L1 at the Požarevac section with loess of glacial cycles E [Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 10], D (MIS 9–8), C (MIS 7–6) and B (MIS 5–2) across central Europe. Correlation with the marine oxygen-isotope stratigraphy and associated paleoclimatic inferences are further supported by magnetic susceptibility, particle size and carbonate content measured in Požarevac sediments. Malacological investigations at the Požarevac section reveal the continuous presence of the Chondrula tridens and Helicopsis striata faunal assemblages throughout the last 350 ka. The loess malacological fauna, which is characterized by the complete absence of cold-resistant and cold-preferring species, suggests a stable, dry and relatively warm glacial and interglacial climate, compared with other central European loess localities. Together these data suggest that the south-eastern part of the Carpathian (Pannonian, Middle Danube) Basin was a refugium for warm-preferring and xerophilous land-snails during the generally unfavorable glacial climates of the late Middle and Late Pleistocene.     

The last 750 ka in loess–palaeosol sequences from northern France: environmental background and dating of the western European Palaeolithic

This study presents an overview of Middle Pleistocene loess–palaeosol sequences (LPS) in northern France and discusses the palaeoclimatic significance of the pedosedimentary record in the context of western European LPS and of global climatic cycles for the last 750 ka. In this area, the oldest loess deposits (early Middle Pleistocene) are preserved in sedimentary traps (leeward scarps of fluvial terraces and dissolution sinkholes). They result from local deflation processes reworking Pleistocene sandy fluvial deposits or relicts of Tertiary sands. A large extension of typical calcareous loess over the landscape, the Loess Revolution, is then observed during MIS 6, with heavy mineral assemblages testifying to long-distance transport from the polar desert area of the dried eastern Channel. A correlation scheme is proposed between the global records of northern France in continental environments and both global palaeoclimatic records and other main western European LPS. After 30 years of research, northern France LPS stand as a fundamental archive of the impact of interglacial–glacial climatic cycles as well as millennial events. Finally, these works provide a robust chronoclimatic framework for the study of the western European Late Acheulean and Middle Palaeolithic and for the relative dating of the various fluvial terraces that they fossilise.     

New insights into Southern Caucasian glacial–interglacial climate conditions inferred from Quaternary gastropod fauna

In the present study, we performed gastropod analyses on loess–palaeosol sequences from northeast Armenia (Southern Caucasia) covering at least three glacial–interglacial cycles. The elaborated ecostratigraphy shows significant patterns of species composition related to the succession of pedocomplexes and loess, respectively. Pedocomplexes included species that can be associated with high-grass to forest-steppe biomes, indicating increased humidity for these sections compared to the loess layers. In contrast, loess layers that relate to glacial periods are associated with gastropod species of semidesert environments with shrub- and shortgrass-steppes, indicating semiarid to arid conditions. Furthermore, the loess deposits do not show any evidence for cold-adapted gastropod species. Therefore, we suggest that average July temperatures in the study area were above 10 °C, even during periods of loess deposition. Consequently, we propose that the limiting factor for tree growth during glacial periods was aridity, rather than temperature. In addition, we observe environmental differences between the various glacial times, with our results indicating a trend towards steadily increasing aridity in Southern Caucasia across the Middle to Late Pleistocene.     

汉江上游I级河流阶的形成及对东亚季风 变化的响应

对郧县—白河段汉江Ⅰ级河流阶地上风成黄土的沉积学、理化性质、地球化学和年代学进行了系统研究。结果表明,汉江Ⅰ河流阶的形成不晚于25 ka BP;黄土具有马兰黄土(L1)→过渡黄土(Lt)→古土壤(S0)→全新世黄土(L0)→表土(TS)的地层序列,与渭河谷地的黄土地层序列完全可比;25~11.5 ka BP,冬季风强盛,气候冷干,从11.5 ka BP开始,冬季风逐渐减弱,气候开始向暖湿方向逐步转化,从8.5 ka BP开始,夏季风达到了末次冰期结束后的鼎盛时期,3.1 ka BP前后,东亚季风格局发生变化,夏季风减弱,重新进入一个相对干冷的时期,而人类活动对地表的影响形成了表土;汉江上游谷地黄土记录的末次冰期后季风逐渐加强、中全新世季风强盛、随后季风衰退和气候变干的夏季风演变模式与渭河谷地黄土的记录高度一致,与邻区石笋和泥炭记录的季风变化趋势也有良好的可比性,但与石笋/泥炭记录的夏季风强盛期的起始时间(9.3~4.2 ka BP)并不完全一致。     

郧县前坊村剖面黄土-古土壤序列风化成壤及古气候研究

秦岭作为我国南方和北方地理、气候、自然环境的天然分界线,并当作是黄土高原的南屏障。汉江上游谷地地区位于秦岭南侧,属于北亚热带气候区域,受季风气候活动影响强烈。为了探讨该地区在亚热带气候背景下,风成黄土成壤改造对气候变化的响应机制,通过对汉江上游谷地前坊村（QFC）剖面磁化率、烧失量、粒度、Rb/Sr等理化性质进行研究。结果表明:①末次冰期以来沙尘暴很有可能越过秦岭在其南侧堆积,黄土-古土壤剖面地层序列从上到下依次为:MS-L₀-S₀-Lt-L₁-AD;这些沉积物完整记录了一级阶地上晚更新世气候变化信息,地层单元受到各个时期不同程度成壤强度的改造。②前坊村剖面中,理化性质在不同地层单元有显著差异。例如磁化率、烧失量、Rb/Sr指标平均含量的高值出现在古土壤层中,低值出现在黄土层;而Zr/Rb含量变化正好相反;这些理化性质表明,在古土壤发育期,水热条件进入最适宜期,沉积物的风化成壤作用显著;在黄土堆积期,气候寒冷干燥,主要以粉尘堆积为主,沉积物的风化成壤作用较弱。③秦岭南侧北亚热带汉江上游前坊村一级阶地剖面化学风化强度变化揭示了黄土-古土壤环境气候变化的规律:末次冰期以来（大约18.0～11.5 ka B.P.）,气候干冷,沙尘暴频繁出现,沉积物以黄土堆积为主,成壤作用微弱,形成马兰黄土（L₁）;全新世早期（约11.5～8.5 ka B.P.）,气候由干冷向暖湿方向转变,但主要以干冷为主,形成过渡层（Lt）;在全新世大暖期（8.5～3.1 ka B.P.）,气候条件达到最优阶段,水热配合较好,生物活动活跃,成壤作用十分显著,发育了古土壤S₀;到了全新世晚期以来（3.1 ka B.P.）气候又由暖湿向干冷方向转变,成壤作用明显减弱,沙尘暴出现较为频繁,形成了以黄土堆积为主的全新世黄土（L₀）。现代表土层（MS）是在（1.5 ka B.P.）以来气候转暖,加之人类长期农业耕作扰动,在全新世黄土L₀顶部叠加而形成的。     

从矿物学角度探讨芝罘岛黄土状黄土成因及古气候变化

沉积矿物是记录物源信息和古气候变迁的良好载体。通过显微镜碎屑矿物鉴定和黏土矿物X射线衍射峰能谱分析对芝罘岛黄土状黄土2 个剖面13 个样品进行处理, 并对数据进行数学统计分析。结果表明, 芝罘岛黄土状黄土矿物种类、矿物形态特征、磁铁矿和岩屑的高含量等都揭示了黄土来源的多源性和近源性, 末次冰期时的海底平原沉积物以及洪积、残积物是芝罘岛黄土状黄土的重要物源, 而西北内陆沙漠吹来的细颗粒物质相对较少。普通角闪石、绿帘石含量较高的黄土堆积后期是以远源沉积为主, 且以风力搬运为主; 磁铁矿、岩屑含量较高的早、中期是以近源沉积为主, 搬运动力较复杂。根据黄土状黄土的剖面层序特征, 碎屑矿物以及黏土矿物垂相变化特征, 说明黄土堆积的早期, 气候是相对温暖湿润的, 之后变得寒冷干燥, 后来又逐渐回暖, 然后再转冷, 呈现出末次冰期该地冷暖交替的气候旋回。     

毛乌素沙地全新世地层粒度组成特征及古气候意义

分析结果显示,毛乌素沙地粒度自西北至东南逐渐变细、磁化率值逐渐变大。这一规律不仅表现在地表,而且在不同地点同一层位也有明显反映。说明了毛乌素沙地的形成过程与东亚季风联系密切。就所选剖面分析来看,本区在更新世晚期及全新世早期气候比较寒冷干燥,东亚冬季风影响较明显,此时为堆积成沙期,自北至南堆积的砂粒渐细,砂层渐薄;全新世中期气候温暖湿润,东亚夏季风影响显著,此时为较明显的成壤期,表现在自北至南普遍可见发育较好的黑垆土层,且南部的成壤作用比北部好,土壤的厚度也大;全新世晚期至今,气候向干冷的方向转化,但变化幅度远小于末次冰期     

末次盛冰期北美风成环境变化及其在全球气候突变事件中的意义

本文用末次冰期北美大冰盖南缘的风尘堆积记录来重建末次盛冰期的亚极地环境变化.磁化率、有机碳含量和潜育化程度的资料表明,末次盛冰期的前期(约21000～15000aB P.)植被覆盖较差,而后期(15000～10000aB.P.)植被覆盖较好,15 000aB.P.环境发生了急剧的变化,磁化率曲线显示了大约1000a的氧化-还原周期.这种大约1000a的环境变化周期很可能由低纬地区的海洋和大气的扰动所驱动,这种扰动的能量通过北美大冰盖及时地传递到北大西洋.     

A luminescence‐based chronology for the Harletz loess sequence,Bulgaria

The Harletz loess‐palaeosol sequence is located in northwestern Bulgaria and represents an important link between well‐studied loess sequences in eastern Romania and further sites to the west of the Carpathians (e.g. Serbia and Hungary). The aim of this study was to establish a chronostratigraphy of the deposits, using various methods of luminescence dating, together with basic stratigraphical field observations as well as magnetic properties. Luminescence dating was carried out using the quartz fine grain fraction and a SAR protocol, and the feldspar coarse grain fraction, applying the MET‐pIRIR protocol. Due to underestimation of the quartz fine grain fraction in the lower parts of the sequence, the resulting chronology is mainly based on the feldspar ages, which are derived from the stimulation temperature at 150 °C. A comparison with nearby sequences from Serbia, Hungary and Romania, and interpretations obtained through the stratigraphical and sedimentological signature of the sequence, supports the established chronology. Our data suggest that the prominent palaeosol (soil complex) in the upper quarter of the sequence was formed during MIS 5. It would follow that large parts of the Last Glacial loess overlying this palaeosol were probably eroded, and that the thick loess accumulation underlying this soil complex can be allocated to the penultimate glacial (MIS 6). A prominent MIS 6 tephra, which has been reported from other sequences in the area, is also present at Harletz.     

Holocene environments of the high plateau,Yemen. Recent geoarchaeological investigations

The late Pleistocene and Holocene sedimentary stratigraphy is described for part of the high plateau of Yemen (altitude 2000–3000 m A.S.L.), to the south of Sana'a. The presence of angular slope debris and dune sand in pre-Holocene contexts suggest cold and arid late Pleistocene conditions, followed, after a phase of indeterminate semiarid fluvial activity, by the development of humic palaeosol A horizons at a wide range of altitudes. Dated to between 7500 and 4350 B.P., this palaeosol includes a valley floor component related to marsh and lake development. Correlation with the humid Neolithic phase of southern Arabia is suggested for this palaeosol. Above the palaeosol thick sedimentary accumulations are associated with increased evidence of human activity and the construction of terraced fields after around 4300 B.P. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Comparison of particle size characteristics of the Tertiary 'red clay' and Pleistocene loess in the Chinese Loess Plateau: implications for origin and sources of the 'red clay'

The origin of the Tertiary ‘red clay’ underlying the Pleistocene loess in the Chinese Loess Plateau remains controversial, although several lines of evidence have suggested a wind‐blown origin. This study examines the particle‐size parameters of the late Miocene and Pliocene ‘red clay’ by comparing it with those of the late Pleistocene loess. The particle‐size distribution of a total of 15 339 loess and 6394 ‘red clay’ samples taken from 12 loess sections along a north–south transect and two ‘red clay’ sequences at Lingtai and Jingchuan was systematically analysed. The median grain size, skewness and kurtosis of the late Pleistocene loess all show a systematic southward change and are principally influenced by distance from source region. The spatial and temporal differentiation of dust deposits is expressed in a skewness–kurtosis–median grain size ternary diagram, from which the distance to the source region can be inferred. The particle‐size characteristics of the Tertiary ‘red clay’ sediments are very similar to those of the palaeosols within the late Pleistocene loess deposits, suggesting an aeolian origin for the ‘red clay’. Based on the comparison of ‘red clay’ and loess in the ternary diagrams, it is inferred that the source–sink distance was greater in the Neogene than in the last and penultimate interglacials, and that the dust source region in north‐western China underwent a progressive expansion during the period from at least 7·0 Ma to the present.     

末次间冰期以来沙漠－黄土边界带的环境演变

沙漠－黄土边界带地处东亚季风边缘，这一地区的风成沉积即古风成砂－黄土－古土壤序列很好地反映了东亚季风环流的演变历史。末次间冰期的沉积(Ｓ１)由三层古土壤和夹于其间的两层黄土组成，可与深海氧同位素阶段５的五个亚阶段(ａ－ｅ)则很好对比。末次冰期的沉积(Ｌ１)由三层古风成砂和夹于其间的两层黄土构成，由此反映了与上述三层古风成砂对应的阶段２、阶段４及阶段３的中期是沙漠－黄土边界带冬季风活动加剧、沙漠扩大的时期。全新世的沉积是由一层草原上(Ｓ０)和其上的流沙组成，但这层流沙是在最近两千年来不合理的人类活动和当地特定风场条件的共同作用下形成，已不具备明显的气候指示意义。     

Heinrich events recorded in a loess-paleosol sequence from Hexigten,Inner Mongolia

We describe the last glaciation climatic history Marine Isotope Stage(MIS, 2-4) from 66.7 ka to 14.5 ka in Hexigten, northeast Inner Mongolia, North China. The climate of the region experienced frequent and significant fluctuations between dry-cold and less dry-cold during the late MIS4. The climate was generally warm and humid during early MIS3(MIS3 c) and late MIS3(MIS3 a), whereas it was cold and dry in middle MIS3(MIS3 b) and during MIS2. In this study, the cold and dry conditions were correlated with a stronger East Asian winter monsoon and strong dune activity; whereas, warm and humid conditions were related to a stronger East Asian summer monsoon(EASM) and weak dune activity. This study establishes six distinct dry and cold intervals during the last glacial period(66.7-14.5 ka) based on optically stimulated luminescence data, multi-proxies record(magnetic susceptibility, grain size analysis, Rb/Sr, SiO2/TiO2) and chemical index of alteration(CIA). The last glacial period may be correlated with Heinrich events 1 to 6 which were further confirmed by comparison with the Hulu cave stalagmites and Greenland ice core records. It is concluded that the study area was substantially affected by the EASM, as compared with the loess-desert transition zone of the Chinese Loess Plateau, especially in MIS3 c and suggested that the East Asian monsoon played a pivotal role in the last glacial period climate and dune activity.