Stratigraphy of main Pleistocene loess horizons and paleosols in mid-eastern Europe

Abstract

Outline of stratigraphy of 11 main Pleistocene (950-10 ka BP) loess horizons and separating paleosols in mid-eastern Europe is presented. Basing on geologic setting, paleomagnetic data and thermoluminescence datings, eight of these horizons (L, J, H, F, E, D, C and B; according to KUKLA 1978) are to be correlated with 8 main Scandinavian glaciations (Narew, Nida, San 1, San 2, Liwiec, Odra, Warta, and Wisła; according to LINDNER 1988a-d), whereas three other horizons (K, I, and G) - with climatic coolings (glaciations?) within the three older interglacials (podlasian, Malopolanian and Ferdynandów). Paleosol complexes between main loess horizons correspond to the interglacials. A correlation of Pleistocene loess horizons and separating paleosols in mid-eastern Europe with similar sediments in western Europe and Asia is also presented.