Late Pleistocene loess‐palaeosol sequences in the Vojvodina region,north Serbia

Late Pleistocene loess‐palaeosol sequences are widespread in the Vojvodina region, with thicknesses reaching a maximum of about 20 m. Our investigations include more than 40 of these loess sections. Geochronology of the last glacial loess‐palaeosol sequences, based on luminescence dating and amino acid racemisation, provides correlations between Upper Pleistocene loess‐palaeosol sediments in Vojvodina and comparable deposits at other European localities. Sedimentary logs of magnetic susceptibility, grain‐size measurements and carbonate content, combined with malacological evidence, indicate two main relatively cold and arid phases during the last glacial period, related to intensive accumulation of loess units L1L1 and L1L2, as well as many brief episodes of dry and windy climatic conditions, suggesting a possible relationship with cold events recorded in the North Atlantic region. Generally, late Pleistocene climate in the region was dry and relatively warm, compared with glacial period sites in central Europe, and was characterised by sharp differences between glacial and interglacial modes. New data and interpretations presented in this study emphasise the significance of loess‐palaeosol sequences in Vojvodina for the reconstruction of the temporal and spatial evolution of late Pleistocene palaeoclimate in this part of Europe. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

East Asia winter monsoon variations on a millennial time‐scale before the last glacial–interglacial cycle

Grain size and magnetic susceptibility measurements on samples from a typical loess–palaeosol sequence on the central Chinese Loess Plateau are used to reconstruct the Pleistocene East Asian monsoon climate. The coarse‐grained fraction, i.e. the weight percentage > 30 μm of the bulk grain‐size distribution, is used as a sensitive proxy index of the East Asia winter monsoon strength. On the basis of an absolute time‐scale, time‐series variations of this proxy show that winter monsoon strengths varied on millennial time‐scales during the periods 145–165, 240–280, 320–350, 390–440, 600–640, 860–890, 900–930 and 1330–1400 kyr BP. The wavelength of these climatic oscillations varied between 1.89 and 4.0 kyr, as is shown by spectral analysis using the multitaper method. Although numerical simulation experiments show that high frequencies also can arise from measurement errors in the grain‐size analysis, the frequencies prove to be sufficiently stable when the spectral analysis is repeated with a different number of tapers. For the time being, we do not correlate these climatic oscillations with palaeoclimatic records in the North Atlantic deep‐sea sediments because both time‐scales need to be further improved. Our data, however, certainly demonstrate that millennial‐scale East Asian winter monsoon variations in the last 1.4 million years can be detected from terrestrial loess records. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

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.     

Rb and Sr Geochemical Characterization of the Chinese Loess Stratigraphy and Its Implications for Palaeomonsoon Climate

Concentrations and distributions of Rb and Sr in loess and palaeosol samples from the Luochuan profile have been studied, in grain-size fractions and chemical forms. Results show that Rb is quite rich in the fraction of less than 2μm, and exits only in the residual phase, while Sr is distributed in sand and silt fractions, occurring in the residual and carbonate phases. Therefore, variations of the concentrations of Rb and Sr in loess and palaeosols are closely related not only to dustfall compositions depending on winter monsoon wind strength but also to summer monsoon-induced pedogenic intensity. This indicates that variations of Rb/Sr ratio in Chinese loess sequences represent cyclic alternations of East Asian summer and winter monsoon climates on the orbital time-scale. Variations in Sr concentrations along the sequence bear a high similarity to the oxygen isotope record of the deep sea sediments over the past 2.5 Ma, whereas variations in Rb concentrations are in good agreement with the record of     

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.     

Stable isotopic evidence for Middle Pleistocene environmental change from a loess‐paleosol sequence: Kärlich,Germany

Loess‐paleosol sequences are important terrestrial archives of palaeoenvironmental change. Such sequences are rich in pedogenic carbonate, the oxygen and carbon isotopic values of which can provide important palaeoenvironmental information. Although some studies have pioneered the use of O and C isotopes in loess‐paleosol sequences, they are not routinely used as palaeoclimate proxies. In this study we analysed the sedimentology, micromorphology, geochronology and isotopic geochemistry of a Middle Pleistocene loess‐paleosol section, located at Kärlich, Germany. The section studied correlates with the Elsterian glacial (MIS 12) and Holsteinian interglacial (MIS 11). Embedded tephra layers yielded ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages of 466±3 ka, 447±1 ka and 361±3 ka. The sedimentology and micromorphology of the sequence record a shift from accretionary loess accumulation (MIS 12) to prolonged pedogenesis at a stable land surface (MIS 11). Soil carbonate δ¹⁸O values record an enrichment of ～3‰ during the accumulation of the loess, reaching peak values comparable with those found in the MIS 11 soil. The δ¹⁸O signal is interpreted as reflecting temperature, highlighting the potential of δ¹⁸O analysis of European loess soil carbonates as a means of reconstructing palaeotemperature history.     

Sedimentology of a Late Quaternary lacustrine record from the south-eastern Carpathian Basin

The Upper Pleistocene geoarchives in the south-eastern Carpathian Basin are represented predominantly by loess–palaeosol records. In 2015, a 10 m sediment core composed of clay-rich lacustrine sediments was recovered by vibracoring a dry lake basin located between the Vršac Mountains (Serbia) and the Banat Sands in the south-eastern Carpathian Basin; a location relevant for placing regional archaeological results in a palaeoenvironmental context. Here, we present results from geoelectrical prospection and a lithostratigraphic interpretation of this sequence supported by a detailed granulometric study supplemented by ostracod analysis. An age model based on luminescence dating is discussed against sedimentological proxy data and its implication for palaeoenvironmental change. The cores show a stratigraphy of lighter ochre-coloured and darker greyish sediment, related to the deposition of clay and silt trapped in an aquatic environment. Geophysical measurements show ~20 m thick lacustrine sediments. The grain-size distributions including the variability in fine clay are indicative of a lacustrine environment. Fine particles were brought into the depositional environments by aquatic input and settled from suspension; also, direct dust input is constrained by grain-size results. Riverine input and aeolian dust input interplayed at the locality.     

Quaternary vegetation changes derived from a loess‐like permafrost palaeosol sequence in northeast Siberia using alkane biomarker and pollen analyses

Zech, M., Andreev, A., Zech, R., Müller, S., Hambach, U., Frechen, M. & Zech, W.: Quaternary vegetation changes derived from a loess‐like permafrost palaeosol sequence in northeast Siberia using alkane biomarker and pollen analyses. Boreas, Vol. 39, pp. 540–550. 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2009.00132.x. ISSN 0300‐9483 Alkane biomarker and pollen data were obtained from a 15‐m‐high and probably c. 240‐kyr‐old loess‐like permafrost palaeosol sequence (‘Tumara Palaeosol Sequence’, TPS) in northeast Siberia. The alkane results were corrected for degradation effects by applying an end‐member model and were evaluated by comparing them with the palynological results. The two data sets are generally in good agreement and suggest that the lower part of the TPS developed mainly under larch forests, whereas the upper part of the sequence reflects the expansion of mammoth steppes during the Weichselian glaciation and finally reforestation during the Lateglacial and the early Holocene. For the lower part of the TPS, the palaeoclimatic interpretation according to modern analogue methods would indicate warm, interglacial conditions, but this is at odds with the climate chronostratigraphy based on a multi‐proxy palaeopedological approach and numeric dating. Provided that the correlation of the discussed stratigraphic unit with the Late Saalian glaciation and the Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage 6 is correct, our results suggest that temperature was not a limiting factor for tree growth at that time. Furthermore, it seems very likely that it was not mainly temperature changes but rather increasing aridity and continentality during the course of the last glacial that favoured the expansion of the mammoth steppe.     

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.     

Climatic implications of loess deposits from the Beijing region

Variations in magnetostratigraphy, pedostratigraphy, grain size and magnetic susceptibility of the loess deposits near Beijing have been studied at two sections. The sections are about 400 km east of the main loess deposits in China, have a maximum thickness of 100 m and extend back to 1.1 Ma. The sequence consists of 14 loess–palaeosol couplets (S0‐S14), which correlate well with sequences in the Loess Plateau. Susceptibility records from the sites near Beijing are comparable to the Xifeng, Luochuan and Baoji sections located in the middle part of the Loess Plateau; however, the down‐core variations in the grain size in the Upper Lishi Formation exhibit some differences. The median grain size increases by about 25–30 µm from L4 to L2, with the sandy grains (>63 µm) increasing from 10–20 wt% to 40–50 wt% . This implies that the depositional environment of the dust sources in the Beijing loess section is different in some aspects from the Loess Plateau. The Beijing loess may have had a different dust source than the Loess Plateau. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Pedosedimentary development of part of a Late Quaternary loess‐palaeosol sequence in northwest Argentina

The field properties, magnetic susceptibility, particle size, calcium carbonate content, soil micromorphology and optical luminescence ages of the upper 6.1 m and lowermost 4.7 m of the 45 m loess–palaeosol sequence at El Lambedero in the Tafí del Valle region of Tucumán Province (Sierras Pampeanas, northwest Argentina) have been used to set up a partial stratigraphy and chronology, as well as a basic pedosedimentary model of loess accumulation, palaeosol development, reworking and erosion for the site. The minimum ages derived from the basal part of the section suggest that loess began to accumulate some time before 165 ka. A thick and well‐developed pedocomplex in the upper profile is correlated with at least the latter part of marine isotope stage (MIS) 5, whereas the overlying palaeosol may be attributable to pedogenic activity during MIS 3. The absence of material younger than 33 ka close to the surface of this rounded spur landform is probably the result of either non‐deposition or erosional stripping in response to climatic change, or episodic uplift in this seismically active region. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

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。     

Comparison of proxy records of Late Pleistocene climate change from a high‐resolution loess–palaeosol sequence in north‐central China

A micromorphologically based pedosedimentary reconstruction of a 40‐m loess–palaeosol sequence from the western part of the Chinese Loess Plateau provides a sensitive proxy record of changing processes and associated environmental conditions in this region between ca. 150 000 and 10 000 yr BP. Depth functions of more traditional climate proxies, such as magnetic susceptibility, calcium carbonate content and median grain size, support the broad pattern of environmental changes inferred from the micromorphology, although the bulk properties sometimes lag behind or are out of phase with each other and do not match all the fluctuations in the micromorphological record. The reasons for the disparities are probably complex, although they partly reflect differences in response rates and sensitivities of proxies to different climate parameters, as well as genuine out‐of‐phase changes in strength of monsoonal climate controls. This work illustrates the sensitivity of micromorphology in detecting past environmental changes within rapidly aggrading landscapes, and emphasises the need to understand more fully the local and regional significance of bulk proxies currently used in global correlations with marine‐ and ice‐core records. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Re-analysis of late Quaternary dust mass accumulation rates in Serbia using new luminescence chronology for loess–palaeosol sequence at Surduk

Despite numerous palaeoenvironmental investigations of loess–palaeosol sequences across the Carpathian Basin, well-dated high-resolution records are scarce. This paper presents a new high-resolution chronology for the loess-palaeosol sequence at Surduk (Serbia), based on optically stimulated luminescence (quartz) and post-infrared infrared stimulated luminescence (polymineral) dating. The presented record spans 53–19 ka, with primary loess deposition occurring after 52±2 ka, and differs from previously published chronologies that relied on less precise and now superseded dating protocols. Based on the new chronology, mass accumulation rates (MARs) for Surduk were constructed and compared with sites in the Carpathian Basin. The results demonstrate that accumulation periods across this area are not consistent in timing or rates. The high-resolution dating strategy identifies a disturbance in sediment deposition that occurred after 45±2 ka and implies that site contains a hiatus. Finally, we show samples that failed routine dose recovery and preheat plateau tests, and had low fast ratios. Supported by bulk sample geochemical analysis it is proposed that a potential abrupt source shift, during the Last Glacial Maximum, may be the cause of the anomalous luminescence behaviour.     

洛川黄土序列时间标尺的初步建立

对厚１４０ｍ的洛川坡头黄土剖面黄土层以５ｃｍ，古土壤层以３ｃｍ系统采样，全部样品进行了室内磁化率测量。以黄土序列磁化率变化作为古季风气候变化的代用指标，根据第四纪冰期的Ｍｉｌａｎｋｏｖｉｔｃｈ理论，利用轨道调缠绵的方法初步建立了洛川黄支的时间标尺。通过古地磁场倒转时间的检验以及与宝鸡黄土序列时间标尺对比，表明本文所论述的时间标尺适用于该地区古环境演化的研究。     

Cyclic variability in microstructure and physio-mechanical properties of the Xiashu Loess–palaeosol sequence in Nanjing, China

For the Xiashu loess–palaeosol sequence in Nanjing, China, further to our work on the cyclic variability in its chemical composition and swelling-shrinkage properties [Xia, J., Huang, G.L., Liu, Z. T., Chen, X.M., 2007. Cyclic variability in chemical composition and swelling–shrinkage properties of the Xiashu loess stratum near Nanjing, China. Pedosphere 17 (5), 666–672.], this paper studies the cyclic variability in its microstructure and physico-mechanical properties and the corresponding influence on its engineering behaviour for geotechnical and geological practices. In addition, the cyclic variability in the soil's grain-size distribution and geochemical characteristics is compared with that of the loess–palaeosol sequences at two other sites in China, indicating a geographical pattern of cyclic variation of the sequences.     

The influence of salt withdrawal subsidence on palaeosol maturity and cyclic fluvial deposition in the Upper Triassic Chinle Formation: Castle Valley, Utah

Integrated fluvial sequence stratigraphic and palaeosol analysis can be used to better reconstruct depositional systems, but these approaches have not been combined to examine halokinetic minibasins. This study characterizes the temporal and spatial patterns of lithofacies and palaeosols in a sequence stratigraphic framework to reconstruct a model of minibasin evolution and identify halokinetic influences on fluvial deposition. This research documents fluvial cycles and stratigraphic hierarchy, palaeosol maturity and apparent sediment accumulation rates in the Chinle Formation within the Big Bend minibasin. This study also uses palaeosols to help identify fluvial aggradational cycle (FAC) sets. The Chinle is divided into two hectometre‐scale (10² m) fluvial sequences, six decametre‐scale (10¹ m) FAC sets, and variable numbers of metre‐scale FACs depending on proximity to the minibasin. Ten pedotypes representing 225 palaeosol profiles are recognized. The pedotypes include palaeosols similar to modern Entisols, Inceptisols, Aridisols, Vertisols and Alfisols. A maturity index (1–5) is assigned to each pedotype to assess its variability in palaeosol development. Estimated palaeosol development time is used to approximate apparent sediment accumulation rates. Increased subsidence resulted in a greater number and thicker FACs, thicker FAC sets and fluvial sequence sections, and lithofacies associations reflecting more rapid sedimentation along the minibasin axis. Palaeocurrent indicators converge towards the minibasin axis and indicate that it formed and drifted through time. Relative palaeosol maturity is inversely related to stratal thickness, and decreases towards the minibasin where episodic burial by fluvial sediment was more frequent. Metre‐scale FACs are most abundant towards the minibasin axis, and locally have Entisols and Inceptisols developed upon their upper boundaries reflecting increased sediment accumulation rates. Areas outside the minibasin are characterized by fewer FACs that are associated with more mature palaeosols. Palaeosol‐derived apparent sediment accumulation rates are as much as two orders of magnitude greater within the minibasin than in marginal areas. The combined stratigraphic, palaeocurrent and palaeosol evidence is used to develop a model for the evolution of the Big Bend minibasin that illustrates the halokinetic affect on fluvial and landscape processes.     

Quartz luminescence sensitivity variation in the Chinese loess deposits: the potential role of wildfires

The sensitivity of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) of quartz grains has been applied to trace the provenances of sediments in various environments. Here, we studied the OSL sensitivity of quartz grains in four sections (Jingyuan, Huanxian, Xifeng and Luochuan) along a west–east transect on the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP). The quartz OSL sensitivity in the palaeosol units is higher overall than that in the loess units, and it shows an increasing trend from the west CLP to the east CLP. In palaeosol units, it increases by a factor of ~20 along the west–east transect; while in loess units it increases by a smaller degree of 3–5. The change of provenances and the change of distances between the provenances and the loess sections cannot fully account for the large degree of sensitivity variation between the loess and palaeosol units in the central and eastern CLP. We propose that wildfires may have played an important role in enhancing the quartz OSL sensitivity in the palaeosol units in the central and eastern CLP. Quartz OSL sensitivity has the potential to be used as a proxy for palaeowildfires.     

Aeolian origin and palaeoclimatic implications of the ‘red clay’ (north China) as evidenced by grain‐size distribution

The ‘Red Clay’ is an important deposit underlying the Quaternary loess–palaeosol sequence in the Chinese Loess Plateau, being regarded as an excellent record of palaeoclimate changes in the late Tertiary. Several properties of the ‘Red Clay’ have been measured previously in order to derive climatic information. However, the sedimentary processes involved and the origin of the materials remain controversial. Here we present results of grain‐size analyses of the ‘Red Clay’ from four representative sites in the Chinese Loess Plateau. In particular their grain‐size distribution is compared with that of typical Quaternary aeolian loess–palaeosol, as well as lacustrine and fluvial sediments. It appears from the sedimentological evidence that the major part of the ‘Red Clay’ is of aeolian origin. It is rather similar in some of its properties to the Quaternary loessic palaeosols. The dust forming the ‘Red Clay’ was transported by a wind system that was weaker than that involved in the accretion of the Quaternary loess. Furthermore, the ‘Red Clay’ sediment has been modified by post‐depositional weathering. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.