A palaeomagnetic and mineral magnetic study of the loess sequence at Liujiapo,Xian, China

Employing an average vertical sampling interval of 20 cm, oriented samples were collected from 26 m of the loess section at Liujiapo, near Xian, China in order to refine the existing magnetostratigraphic record. Palaeomagnetic results reveal two short reversed-polarity subzones within a profile of predominantly normally magnetised sediments, an interpretation that is at variance with previous results from this section and from other studies of Chinese loess. Investigation of sediment mineral-magnetic properties indicates a close correspondence between down-section variations in intensity of magnetisation, susceptibility and saturation isothermal Journal of Quaternary Science remanence (SIRM), and lithology. The ratios IRM_-100mT/SIRM and SIRM/ susceptibility appear to be particularly sensitive indicators of the degree of soil development and hence of palaeoclimate.