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In Eastern Europe Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 represents a period characterised by severe climate change of very rapid onset, which is recorded in the regional sedimentary record. Hitherto this work, the geomorphic impact of these abrupt changes to NE Poland's 1st-order-stream valleys has been under-represented in studies. Here the combined results of lithological, geochemical, and palynological analyses—coupled with sediment OSL dating—demonstrate that MIS 3's earlier events (60–45 ka) mark an interval when contemporary dry valleys functioned as active stream corridors, places where deep fluvial incision had occurred. Prior to this MIS 3 fluvial activity there is an observed depositional hiatus encompassing sediments from MIS 5d to the oldest part of MIS 3. Valley-bottom sediment accumulation began ~44–40 ka, commencing at a time when shallow water reservoirs began to function. The resultant mineral infill is devoid of calcium carbonate and organic matter (OM). This sedimentation occurred under dry and cold climate conditions—i.e. under the influence of permafrost aggradation. The geochemical composition of the MIS 3 deposits indicates that environmental conditions are deteriorating. In effect, calcium carbonate was completely removed from the deposits, which resulted in the reduction of mobile elements (such as Na), removal of selected soil horizons, and an increased content of immobile elements—e.g. sedimentary Al, Rb, Ti. These processes are confirmed in the study sediments by magnetic susceptibility analysis. Here, in MIS 3 lake deposits, the presence of fissure structures filled with grey clay or fine sand is a common feature. Climatic changes during MIS 3's younger part were reflected in the slight increase of OM, which in turn increased the contribution of mobile, immobile, and trace elements. Most likely these change intervals represent more humid conditions during MIS 3. Sediment-trapping lakes within dry valley bottoms completely disappeared by ~30 ka.

Deep-seated relict permafrost was identified in borehole Udryn PIG-1 (north-eastern Poland) at depths from +450 to 357 m. In potential its extant provides an opportunity to expand the known effective realm of grain weathering. Specifically, uncertainty exists as to whether or not glacial-period frost weathering could even occur at such considerable depths, which is well outside an active-layer range (i.e., beyond the currently acknowledged domain of grain weathering). Sand deposits collected at a 410.70–396.75 m depth were subjected to grain-size analysis, then 0.5–0.8 mm quartz-grain surfaces were analysed under stereoscopic and scanning electron microscopy. The obtained results indicate that these relict-permafrost grains were both mechanically and chemically weathered. Mechanical weathering of quartz grains is identified as P- & F-type weathering. The former is associated with an increase in stress generated both by overlying ice-sheet masses and permafrost degradation. Here mechanical weathering was facilitated by the presence of well-sorted sediment, rounded or well-rounded grains, and high porosity. Its effects are microtextures such as breakage blocks and conchoidal fractures. F-type weathering is/was generated by freezing water in various sorts of cavities and cracks. Weathering is directly associated with the presence of permafrost at this depth. Additionally, chemical weathering is recorded on quartz-grain surfaces in the form of a ragged discontinuous coating. It has been proven here that weathering of quartz grains is not just a near-surface phenomenon, but also occurs deep below Earth's surface.

This study provides a new stratigraphic and palaeogeographic scheme for the time span between Marine Isotope Stages (MISs) 8 and 6. Based on detailed sedimentological and palynological studies, the...

Vegetation changes were documented across the last interglacial period (MIS 5e, Eemian) and continuing through the older part of the last glacial period (MIS 5d–a, early Weichselian). This study was based on pollen data collected at the Jałówka site, NE Poland. Two cold oscillations appeared within warm periods during this stage of the upper Pleistocene. The older oscillation was the temporary intra–interglacial cooling at the end of the Eemian. The younger one was the intra–interstadial cooling that occurred within the oldest interstadial of the early Weichselian (MIS 5c, Brørup). This last event corresponds well to the stadial separating both the Amersfoort and Brørup sensu stricto interstadials in the Netherlands and to the Montaigu event as recognized in France. The development of a pollen sequence allows speculation as to potential correlations with Greenland ice cores and marine records. We suggest that the Eemian in NE Poland may comprise not only MIS 5e, but also a part of MIS 5d. This supposition could shed light on potential for non-synchrony in upper boundaries of the MIS 5e and terrestrial Eemian in Europe. We await the development of more precise independent dating controls to validate our theory more assiduously.

Till macrofabric and grain-size analysis of glacial diamictons and landforms present in several valleys of the Serra da Estrela Mountains in central Portugal were used to interpret till types and to reconstruct the glacial paleoprocess history of this mountainous region. Supraglacial melt-out and flow tills are dominant in this range. Supraglacial melt-out tills, representative of periods of glacial stability and stagnation followed by recession, present weaker fabric data and coarser, poorly sorted sediments. Flow tills, mainly representative of glacial stability followed by recession, present crude layering, and soft-sediment deformation structures with moderate fabric data and coarser to fine, poorly sorted sediments. Glacial diamictons affected by post-glacial paraglacial activity in the form of landslides were also observed in three valleys. These present weaker to moderate fabric data and coarser, poorly sorted sediments. These glacial diamictons and landforms are of particular importance in the reconstruction of the glacial dynamics and history of the Serra da Estrela Mountains due to a scarcity of chronological data based on absolute dating methods. These mountains also represent the southernmost Atlantic range in Europe where significant glaciation took place, which makes it an interesting area to investigate mountain glacial dynamics in low elevation humid Atlantic coastal ranges and compare it with other Atlantic ranges.

A correlation of stratigraphic subdivisions of the late Middle Pleistocene (MIS 12-6) in central Europe is extremely difficult, because of abundant hiatuses. Therefore, the site Rechitsa in western Belarus is extremely important for a regional stratigraphy, because of its well documented sediments of the Alexandrian Interglacial (Holsteinian; MIS 11) and a crucial palaeoclimate and palaeoenvironmental record of the Middle Pleistocene. The sequence starts with proglacial delta deposits formed at the termination of the Berezinian Glaciation (Elsterian; MIS 12), overlain by organic deposits of the Alexandrian Interglacial (Holsteinian; MIS 11) and the early glacial cooling of the Pripyatian Glaciation (Saalian). The hiatuses in MIS 10, 9 and 7 are interrupted by occasional occurrence of a periglacial lake, accompanied with open vegetation communities in MIS 8, characteristic by alternate temperate and cold episodes with significant climate-induced environmental transformations with extremely cold and dry conditions recorded by huge frost wedges with primary infilling. Extremely severe climatic conditions of MIS 6 favoured development of huge frost wedges with primary infilling, overlain by sediments of a periglacial lake. The Rechitsa section was overbuilt by glaciofluvial and aeolian deposits during the Pripyatian Glaciation (Saalian). The recorded huge hiatuses in MIS 10, 9 and 7 are common in central Europe represent presumably arid conditions and lack of deposition. The sedimentary sequence at the site Rechitsa is an important link of central and eastern European stratigraphic subdivisions of the Middle Pleistocene.

Liquefaction can cause deformation of unconsolidated sediment, but specific processes involved and the trigger mechanisms often remain obscured. This study describes multiple deformed sediment layers in a succession of lacustrine sand, silt and clay deposited during the Marine Isotope Stage 5d in north-western Lithuania. The deformation structures (load casts, pseudonodules, ball-and-pillow structures, broken-up laminae and injections) are embedded in ten separate layers of fine-grained, laterally continuous sediments. Detailed mesoscale sedimentological analyses suggest that each deformation event consisted of numerous successive stages of sediment advection facilitated by liquefaction. Low-permeability fine-grained laminae contributed to localized pore-water pressure build-up and lowering of sediment strength. Erosional top surfaces that truncate layers with soft-sediment deformation structures suggest that at least seven deformation events were separated by successive periods of initial erosion and then uninterrupted deposition in the lake. The most likely trigger of the deformation was recurrent palaeoseismic activity possibly linked to a late glacial isostatic adjustment following the Scandinavian Ice Sheet melting after the Saalian glaciation. This study emphasizes the potential role of seismic processes in shaping the sedimentary record of the intraplate region of north-eastern Europe and contributes to constraining the depth of liquefaction, regardless of the actual trigger mechanism.

The study focuses on sand grain properties in different parts of a beach-dune system built entirely of heavy mineral particles. These properties are related to: (1) resistance of particular minerals to weathering and abrasion, (2) hydraulic sorting in the swash zone, and (3) aeolian sorting during grain transport inland from the upper beach. The main waterlain and windlain sand properties depend on settling velocity which results from grain density (reflecting grain mineralogy), size, shape and roundness. The study was performed on the beach and dunes at Patea on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand, which are comprised of heavy minerals assemblage containing a ferromagnetic (dominated by titanomagnetite) and non-ferromagnetic (mainly pyroxene and amphibole) fractions. The result demonstrates that three zones of different sand properties can be distinguished: (1) a lower swash zone dominated by non-ferromagnetic, larger and more angular particles which are carried back from the upper swash zone down the foreshore by the backwash; (2) an uppermost swash zone and beach with almost 100% of ferromagnetic, smaller and more rounded particles deposited at the back of the beach by the uprush, which during high tide and storms can reach the cliff toe, and can be reworked by wind; and (3) a climbing dune composed of a more poorly sorted mixture of non- and ferromagnetic particles. In terms of both mineralogy and grain size and shape, the dune sand is less uniform than the beach sand. Aeolian segregation resulted here in sand textural features opposite to those found in dune sands composed of light minerals. The results highlight the density-dependent variability of grain size and shape of beach-dune deposits consisting of only heavy minerals, and broaden our understanding of mechanisms of sedimentary processes which is particularly important when reconstructing older sedimentary successions.

The aim of this paper is a critical verification of the late Middle Pleistocene stratigraphy in Poland in connection with stratigraphical schemes in the neighbouring countries. Although a terrestrial record of the Middle Pleistocene is almost complete in western and southern Europe, it is full of gaps in central and eastern Europe. Eight key sites in Poland and one in Belarus were selected to compile environmental and palaeoclimate data for a revised stratigraphy from the termination of MIS 12 to MIS 6, and the chronology was based on correlation with oxygen isotope stratigraphy and OSL ages. The late Middle Pleistocene record starts with the Holsteinian lake sequences, some of which have been initiated already at the end of MIS 12, persisted through MIS 11 and terminated in mid-MIS 10. In the examined sites, MIS 11 is represented also by deposits of meandering rivers in a temperate climate. In contrast, there is no evidence for deposition in most of MIS 10 and in MIS 9. A warmer and presumably wet episode at the beginning of MIS 8 lead to local erosion, followed by development of small lakes. Modest ice sheet advance into central Europe occurred in the second part of MIS 8, as reflected by a till, glaciofluvial and glaciolacustrine deposits and presumably, also by permafrost and ice wedges in western Belarus. MIS 7 seems to have been generally warm and wet when small lakes and meandering rivers could develop. Such mild conditions were interrupted with cool and probably drier episodes when braided rivers and limited pedogenesis occurred. Saalian ice sheet cover of central Europe in MIS 6 was widespread, but even more importantly, in this stage periglacial environments were dominant, as shown by continuous permafrost, intensive aeolian activity and development of ice wedges and involutions. Braided rivers developed during short wetter intervals.

The article presents the results of research on the formation conditions and the age of glaciogenic deposits left by the Scandinavian ice sheet in the Eastern Carpathian Foreland, in its part drained by the Dniester River and its tributaries (Black Sea basin). These deposits (till, erratics, glaciolacustrine and glaciofluvial sediments), preserved only in some places and occurring in the range of altitudes defined by terrace VI (Early Pleistocene) and terrace V (Middle Pleistocene), are the southernmost traces of the ice sheet in Europe. They are underlain by fluvial deposits and overlain by loess deposits, and locally occur as intraloess layers. The following research methods were used: geomorphological mapping, sedimentological, lithological, micromorphological, palaeopedological, and palaeontological analyses, as well as luminescence dating. The obtained results allowed a reconstruction to be made of the main stages of morphogenesis and the style of the ice-sheet advance at its maximum extent, defined as the Sambor Phase. The area was glaciated during MIS 12 (Elsterian II = Sanian 2 = Okanian), as indicated by the occurrence of a complete Middle/Upper Pleistocene loess–palaeosol sequence. The oldest palaeosol (S4), i.e. Sokal (=Mazovian = Zavadivka) soil that developed directly on the glaciogenic deposits or loess L5 is correlated with the Holsteinian (=Likhvinian) Interglacial (MIS 11).

An extraordinary variation of plastic and brittle deformation structures with periglacial, glaciotectonic and seismic features was observed within the unconsolidated, upper Pleistocene meandering river succession in the Slinkis outcrop in central Lithuania. Among these deformations, the following structures were described: (1) ice-wedge casts in the lower part of the sedimentary succession, linked to periglacial processes, (2) soft-sediment deformation structures, such as load structures (load casts, pseudonodules), flame structures and water/sediment-escape structures, all trapped in clearly defined layers in the upper part of the sedimentary succession, which are related to the propagation of seismic waves, and (3) faults occurring throughout the sedimentary succession, which are associated with glaciotectonic processes. To our knowledge, this is the first description and analysis of the combined presence of such a diverse range of deformation features caused by three trigger mechanisms in a meandering fluvial sedimentary succession.

Since the end of LIA climatic amelioration results in retreat of glaciers worldwide and the development of glacial forelands with freshly abraded rock surfaces undergoing weathering. When the timin...

Proxy data from pollen and mollusc indicator species, periglacial phenomena, changes in geometry of mountain palaeoglaciers and based on selected lithological and geomorphological features enabled reconstruction of the Late Pleistocene climate characteristics in Poland and adjacent areas. Climate during the Eemian was generally stable but with a distinct west-east gradient in summer. Strong influence of the Atlantic air masses moving to the east resulted in the annual precipitation over 600 mm. Climate instability in the late Eemian as well as during stadials and interstadials of the Early Weichselian was expressed by progressive cooling and increasing temperature difference between winters and summers, reflecting stronger continentalism towards the west, accompanied by decreased precipitation. Periglacial frost crackings and polygonal patterns indicated occurrence of permafrost in Poland already at about 49 ka BP and its occurrence until the termination of the last glaciation. These periglacial structures have developed at mean annual temperatures from −9 to −4 °C, with winter extremes up to about −25 °C. Mean summer temperature reached likely around 10 °C as suggested by palaeobotanic record. Palaeoglaciological studies of mountain glaciers across Europe allowed inferring their activity and sensitivity to climatic fluctuations during the Late Weichselian. The Weichselian of central Europe was controlled mostly by the southerly and easterly circulation dominated by climate cyclones and anticyclones, respectively. An inflow of air masses from the west was significantly limited and concentrated mainly within the so-called periglacial corridor between the Scandinavian ice sheet and the Alps. Such circulation pattern determined serious reduction of precipitation during the Last Glacial Maximum that reached 60% in relation to modern conditions. The following Late Pleistocene cold phases (Oldest and Younger Dryas) were slightly warmer and wetter with increasing contribution of the westerlies that were strongly dependent on progressing shrinkage of the Northern Hemisphere ice sheets.

The source of clastic material supplied to the epicontinental sea during the Middle and Late Jurassic in the Pomeranian Segment of the northern part of the Mid-Polish Trough is analysed, using deposits from the Rzeczyn PIG-1 borehole that represent the Łyna, Chociwel, Brda, Paluki, Kcynia and Rogoźno formations. Heavy mineral analysis, including weathering indices (ZTR, GZI, RZI and Q) and standardised scores for each mineral species, shows that each formation is characterized by a different heavy minerals association. In each association, transparent minerals include both ultrastable minerals (zircon, tourmaline and rutile), occurring in various proportions, and unstable minerals. This indicates that deposits subject to earlier multiple reworking were eroded from the surrounding landmasses. Most probably these deposits represented Triassic rocks, although fresh weathering covers were also eroded. The main direction of clastic material supply was from the N and NW, and to a lesser degree from the NE. The main reasons for changes in the source areas were probably sea level oscillations, while during regressions, exposed parts of the seabed became source areas of clastic material. Conversely, during transgressions, parts of the seabed became cut off from the supply of clastic material from eroded landmasses.

The objective of this work is to present a first assessment on the age of the glacial features of the Serra da Estrela, in the central Portugal, Iberian Peninsula (40°19′ N, 7°37′ W, 1993 m), using Cosmic-Ray Exposure dating (in situ cosmogenic 36Cl). A total of 6 samples were dated, 4 extracted from exposed moraine boulders and 2 from glacially polished bedrock surfaces. Despite the low number of samples, the results are consistent, reinforcing previous dating obtained by other methods and geomorphological and paleoclimatic information. The maximum extension of the glaciers occurred at the end of the Penultimate Glacial Cycle (Marine Isotope Stage 6), during Heinrich Stadial 11, around 140 ka. At the end of the Last Glacial Cycle, slightly before the Last Glacial Maximum, at around 30 ka, the Estrela glaciers reached again a similar extent. Finally, the glaciers disappeared from the Serra da Estrela at the beginning of the Bolling-Allerod Interstadial, at around 14.2 ka. These data confirm a certain synchronicity in the major glacial phases in most the Mediterranean and also European mountains, although there are notable differences in the maximum extent in the two cycles.

Loading processes and the resulting load structures induced by processes related to periglacial conditions are compared to those induced by seismic shocks. The load structures themselves are relatively easily recognizable but the responsible trigger mechanism is, though depending on the geological context, commonly difficult to establish. Load structures like load casts, pseudonodules, ball-and-pillow structures and flame structures are commonly ascribed to instable density gradients within sediments and to differential loading, but their formation always requires liquefaction. In glacigenic sediments, deformation structures have most commonly been ascribed to periglacial processes (as a type of cryoturbations), but it becomes ever more clear that glacigenic sediments can, particularly during ice-front fluctuations, be affected by faulting-related earthquakes (due to glacio-isostatic adjustment), and the thus triggered seismic shocks may result in deformations, including – most commonly – load structures. We inventory the evidence that may help to distinguish, on the basis of textural and structural features, load structures with a seismic origin from those that result from periglacial processes, taking into account that truly diagnostic criteria do not exist.

The paper focuses on analysis of macro‐ and micromorphological characteristics of relict slope deposits in Serra da Estrela (Portugal) to understand the significance of different slope processes and paleoenvironmental settings. Micromorphology is a useful sedimentology technique allowing significant advances compared to macroscopic techniques. Results show that different processes are involved in the development of the slope deposits, reflecting different environmental conditions. The main processes responsible for the emplacement of the relict slope deposits are solifluction, debris‐flow and runoff, but postdepositional changes are also present. Solifluction was identified in slope deposits between 650 and 1500 m a.s.l. The common microfeatures identified are circular arrangement of grains with a core grain, rounded vesicles, vertical grains, matrix deformations and fine‐grained deposits. Slope deposits above 1300 m a.s.l have a platy microstructure and coincide with the altitudinal range of the relict rock glaciers, indicating the elevation limit of permafrost. Below this altitude platy microstructures are less frequent. Slope deposits in north‐facing slopes were affected by frost‐induced processes in a seasonal frost regime, followed by a postdeposition illuvial phase. Debris‐flow and runoff were identified in slope deposits between 680 and 1260 m a.s.l. The common microfeatures are oblique grains, grain dumps, and coarse and fine grain lineations, and banded microstructures were identified in runoff processes. Debris‐flow deposits have a circular arrangement of grains without a core grain, identified in sediments in paraglacial and periglacial environments. The slope deposits show evidence of past periods of enhanced periglacial activity since the last glaciation until the Younger Dryas. (Less)

Significant quantities of ruptured pebbles are found in glaciotectonically deformed glaciofluvial sediments of the Saalian glaciation (MIS 6) at the Koczery site (E Poland). To identify the responsible mechanisms for the pebble-rupture activity, structural, petrographic, roundness and shape analyses were done. Additionally, till fabric of overlying glacial diamicton was analysed and compared to the other outcomes. The origin of fractures in ruptured pebbles of glaciofluvial sediments is directly linked to compressive stress caused by glaciotectonic processes because of 1) ruptured pebbles occur mainly in glaciotectonically deformed sediments (a quarter of all pebbles is fractured); 2) ruptured pebbles almost always occur one-by-one primarily in gravelly lithofacies; 3) fractures occur in pebbles derived from all petrographic groups; 4) fracture occurrence is independent of pebbles size, shape and roundness; 5) fractures mostly occur parallel to each other (along long ‘a’ or short ‘c’ axis of pebbles) and parallel to the bedding of lithofacies; and 6) in most cases broken fragments of ruptured pebbles survived in the host sediment indicating that the observed damage occurred in situ. This novel study of ruptured pebbles found in glacigenic environments sheds new light on the dynamics of glaciotectonic processes, and may be useful in the characterization of palaeostresses that occur during glaciotectonic deformations.

Formation of dunes in the Płock Basin of the Vistula River valley in Central Poland is connected with the aeolian processes that occurred within the European Sand Belt during the Late Pleistocene. Changes in sedimentation conditions, from fluvial (unit G1), to fluvio–aeolian (unit G2) then to aeolian (unit G3), were respectively recorded in the fluvioglacial terrace sand dune profiles in the village of Goreń Duży (the Płock Basin, Central Poland). Both fluvial and aeolian processes occurred in the periglacial zone of the last glaciation, the northern limit of which is defined by the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), being 18.4 ka in the Płock Basin. River and ice-marginal valley terrace sand sediments, in association with glacial deposits, could be the source material for the studied aeolian bedforms. The results of morphoscopic analysis of dunal sand quartz grains indicate that rapid deposition occurred more often than did long-term longrange grain transport. Grain transport genesis begins during the Older Dryas, which is confirmed by optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating performed for unit G2: 13.06±0.76 ka and 13.54±0.84 ka. During dune formation, dead-ice blocks remained intact in a subglacial channel until the Allerød, which suggests that aeolian processes continued after block melting, throughout the Younger Dryas. Successional aeolian processes have resulted in the extensive dune fields of the Płock Basin.

The Neple site is located on a marginal moraine between the valleys of Bug and Krzna rivers in the southern part of the Polish–Belarusian border area. A glacial diamicton is overlain there by glaciofluvial sand and gravel. The glacial diamicton is laminated and, based on petrographic examination, it was ascribed both to the Sanian 2 Glaciation (Elsterian) and the Warta Stadial ice-sheet of the Odranian Glaciation (Saalian). The sediments were glaciotectonically deformed during readvance of the Warta Stadial icesheet. A local stress field was from the northwest and north but it partly encountered resistance from the glacial lobe located in the present-day river-mouth of the Krzna River. Similar glaciotectonic deformations are common also along the southwestern slope of the present Bug River valley, demarcating the maximum extent of the Warta Stadial (Saalian) ice-sheet in this area.

The emergence of the Pleistocene aeolian processes and their intensity was revealed through morphoscopy—the observation and analysis of quartz grain shape and microtexture. Sediments from 39 cored boreholes and three outcrops located in central and eastern Poland were analysed using methodology developed in 1942 by Cailleux to identify past wind action. This method is based on the recognition of the degree of roundness observed on quartz grains along with their surface typology (matt or shiny). The obtained results allowed us to separate seven distinct periods where the content of quartz grains with matt surfaces and varying degrees of roundness increased indicating the presence of an aeolian environment. These processes were different in their nature and intensity, with the wind-action periods varying from long-lasting and very intense (identified across the entire research area) to periods with low intensity and local wind-action events. These periods can be correlated with the advance of oldest glacials—the Narevian/Nidanian (MIS 36-34/MIS 22), the Sanian 1 (MIS 16) the Sanian 2 (MIS 12), the advance and retreat of the Odranian Ice Sheet (MIS 6, maximum stadial), and the Odranian Glaciation (MIS 6. post-maximum stadial [Wartanian]). These aeolian processes lead to the formation of coversands and fluvial sediments that are rich in aeolianized grains.

The studies were conducted in a dry valley in NE Poland. They were aimed at determining the origin of this structure and tracing the processes that have shaped the dry valley in a time span of about 130 ka. The research included detailed geological mapping, including piercing of a number of boreholes and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) surveys. The obtained material was pollen analysed, OSL dated, and the grain size distribution and the morphoscopy of sand quartz grains were investigated; additionally the organic matter (OM) content was determined. Based on the obtained results it was concluded that the structure currently occupied by sediments of the dry valley was formed during the Warta Stadial of the Odranian Glaciation (Saalian; MIS 6) as a glacial tunnel valley. Small, probably isolated depressions functioned in the dry valley bottom after the ice sheet retreat. The sediments record a full succession of climate oscillations from the Eemian Interglacial (MIS 5e) (pollen zones E1 to E7) through the Early Vistulian (MIS 5a-5d) to MIS 4. In the Early Vistulian, the depressions functioned as lakes, or got shallower and were replaced by peat-bogs, depending on the climate conditions. During MIS 4, the bottom of the dry valley was subjected to erosion as a result of concentrated water flow. This caused draining of the existing depressions and their incorporation within the flow. Probably during MIS 3, solifluction was activated on the slopes of the dry valley. During LGM, permafrost aggradation occurred in the study area, recorded by two generations of epigenetic sand wedges and development of aeolian processes. In contrast to analogous processes within the European Sand Belt, the latter processes acted for a short time and only locally. The final record are Holocene soils. It seems that the analysed valley is a good example of palaeoenvironmental conditions in Eastern Europe.

This study describes the sedimentary successions of two glaciomarginal fans (=end moraines) deposited during MIS 6 and MIS 2 in the eastern and north-western part of Poland. Sedimentological analyses of the successions indicate they were both deposited close to the ice sheet margin and are dominated by extensive gravelly and sandy sheet beds derived from the upper flow regime with single ice-wedge structures. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the pancake-like gravelly and sandy sediments was performed using Markov chain analysis. The presence of these, admittedly common, sedimentary successions raises two key points: why sheetfloods are so common on glaciomarginal fans instead of in-channel flows, and whether sedimentary rhythms deposited by sheetfloods represent the full depositional records, or only partial ones due to accompanying erosion. While both points remain unclear, the answers to these questions may be connected to the presence of permafrost, which occupied the foreland of the ice sheet where the glaciomarginal fans were deposited: it can control the type of proglacial river flows on glaciomarginal fans, the depth of erosion and influence the record of sedimentary rhythms.

Our paper describes and interprets grain microtexture and microstructure collected from periglacial sediments on the Abalakh High-Accumulation Plain (AHAP) in Central Yakutia. This territory occupies the Lena–Amga Rivers interfluve. In borehole 18/1, five sediment Complexes (I–V) of successive environments were recognized: 1) alluvial in the base of the borehole—Complex I; 2) alluvial-lake—Complex II; 3) lake-complex—Complex III; 4) ice-complex (yedoma)—Complex IV; and finally 5) a Holocene cover—Complex V. Quartz sand-grain and silt-grain microtextural analysis was undertaken in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and supplemented by mineralogical analyses to reconstruct the sedimentary-accumulation environment, discern the influence of periglacial conditions on the grains, and identify the sediment source(s) for each complex. Based on the results, a conclusion can be reached that the accumulation of Complex I took place as a result of multiple repetitive transportation events recycling the same material and introducing a limited supply of new material into the fluvial environment. Upward in the succession, fluvial-process activities decreased in favour of lake-deposit accumulation. Frozen syngenetic ice-rich silty deposits—yedoma or ice complex—of Complex IV are composed of grains with a precipitated surface, but differ from the underlying deposits in the degree of crusting and mineralogy. Most probably aeolian processes are responsible for their transport. They include a variety of sediments, including older-sourced sediments such as retransported loess and the detritus from mechanical weathering coeval with sediment accumulation. Traces of frost and chemical weathering have been identified on the grain surfaces, the former visible in the form of breakage blocks and conchoidal fracture microtextures and the latter – as surface crusting. However, the frequencies of these microtextures are low, which suggests a relatively high rate of sediment accumulation.

Sand grains from Quaternary glacial, aeolian and fluvial deposits in the Mazovian Lowland, central Poland, were examined to characterize the effects of different Quaternary processes on sand-grain surfaces that experienced repeated cycles of intense polar-desert-like conditions during the Middle and Late Pleistocene. A cold, dry and windy periglacial environment prevailed here at least twice between the Saalian (Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 6) and Holocene (MIS 1) stages. Because the surface characteristics of quartz sand grains can provide important palaeoenvironmental information, we examined grains extracted from sediment samples in different landforms to determine their surficial features from scanning electron microscope images. The grain surfaces were dominated by microtextures characteristic of aeolian-induced grain transformation, indicated by a high percentage of well-rounded, low-relief-worn grains with dish-shaped depressions, bulbous edges and upturned plates. Although remnants of previous sedimentary cycles were occasionally observed, aeolian effects were dominant even in glacial and fluvial settings. Quartz microtextures indicated that none of the examined grains represented their original setting, but rather suggested remobilisation under periglacial conditions. (Less)

The aim of the paper is to present general characteristics of the climate in Poland during the Vistulian (Weichselian), expressed by changes of its continentality during warm and cold intervals. This last glacial stage in Poland is commonly subdivided into Early Vistulian (MIS 5d-a), Lower Plenivistulian (MIS 4), Interplenivistulian (MIS 3), and Upper Plenivistulian and Late Vistulian (MIS 2). Main climatic features of this glacial stage could be reconstructed, based on compilation from published data concerning characteristics of glacial, fluvial and aeolian sedimentary environments, geomorphology, analysis of indicator plant species, Coleoptera, and geographical distribution of periglacial structures. These data were indicative especially for evaluation of mean temperature of the warmest and the coldest months but could be also helpful in determination of drier intervals and some aspects of general atmospheric circulation. Paleoclimatic characteristics of the last glacial stage from the territory of Poland were put into the European context. During the Early Vistulian in eastern Poland, higher continentality was characteristic for interstadials (Amersfoort, Brorup and Odderade), and was considerably lower during the intervening colder stadials (Herning, a cooling between Amersfoort and Brorup, Rederstall). Among the interstadials, the most continental climate occurred during Brorup (similar continentality as at present), considerably less during Amersfoort and the least during Odderade. A decreasing trend of continentality for the cold stadials of the Early Weichselian eastwards in Europe could result from a remarkably less dynamic Gulf Stream in the North Atlantic when the ocean was covered with vast sea ice during winters, whereas the adjoining continent was occupied by permafrost, and the atmospheric circulation was presumably driven also by the Scandinavian ice sheet.

Presented are the results of research into the fluvio-aeolian sedimentary succession at the site of Postolin in the Żmigród Basin, southwest Poland. Based on lithofacies analysis, textural analysis, Thermoluminescence and Infrared-Optical Stimulated Luminescence dating and GIS analysis, three lithofacies units were recognised and their stratigraphic succession identified: 1) the lower unit was deposited during the Pleni-Weichselian within a sand-bed braided river functioning under permafrost conditions within the central part of the alluvial fan; 2) the middle unit is the result of aeolian deposition and fluvial redeposition on the surface of the fan during long-term permafrost and progressive decrease of humidity of the climate at the turn of the Pleni- to the Late Weichselian; 3) the upper unit accumulated following the development of longitudinal dunes at the turn of the Late Weichselian to the Holocene; the development of dunes was interrupted twice by the form being stabilised by vegetation and soil development.

In this paper, we report the results of the research on the fluvio-aeolian deposit succession in the Jozefow site in the region of Roztocze Tomaszowskie (SE Poland). Based on the lithofacial and textural analyses, as well as TL and IR-OLS dating, three lithofacial units have been documented, including their age. They are as follows: 1) a fluvial (lower) unit deposited in the Pleniglacial in the channel of a sandbed braided river under permafrost conditions; 2) a fluvio-aeolian (middle) unit which originated due to alternating aeolian and fluvial deposition and redeposition within a floodplain and/or a zone of abandoned channels at the end of the Pleniglacial and the beginning of the Late Glacial when permafrost was gradually degrading and the climate humidity was decreasing. The top part of the fluvio-aeolian deposits has been reworked by pedogenic processes leading to the development of a soil, which indicates a break in the sediment deposition; 3) an aeolian (upper) unit accumulated due to the development of the sandy aeolian forms (moving dunes) at the end of the Late Glacial and the beginning of the Holocene.

Micromorphology of quartz sand grains is used to reconstruct processes occurring in the glacial environment and to distinguish the latter from other environments. Two processes dominate in the glacial environment, i.e., crushing and abrasion, or a combination thereof. Their effect is a wide range of microstructures on the surface of quartz grains, e.g., chattermarks, conchoidal fractures and multiple grooves. However, the periglacial environment also effectively modifies the surface of quartz grains. The active layer of permafrost is considered to have a significantly higher contribution to the formation of crushed grains and the number of microstructures resulting from mechanical destruction (e.g., breakage blocks or conchoidal fractures), as compared to deposits which are not affected by freeze–thaw cycles. However, only a few microstructures are found in both environments. At the same time, there are several processes in subglacial environments related to freeze–thaw cycles, e.g., regelation, congelation, basal adfreezing, and glaciohydraulic supercooling. Most likely, therefore, the role of the glacial environment in the destruction of quartz grains has been misinterpreted, and consequently the conclusions regarding environmental processes drawn on the basis of the number of crushed grains and edge-to-edge contacts are erroneous.

Geological investigations in the southern part of the Polish-Belarusian cross-border area were focused on correlation of main Middle Pleistocene stratigraphic units and on extent of the ice sheet of the Saalian Glaciation. Determination of regional stratotype horizons, establishing new key sites and sections of regional significance for Central Europe were based mostly on vegetation and paleoclimate changes recorded in glacial and interglacial lake deposits. Results of stratigraphical investigations abolished a predominant palaeogeographic image on ice sheet limits in this area. The Saalian maximum ice sheet limit was similar or even less extensive than during the subordinate Warta Stadial. Most of the area between the Middle Vistula in Poland and the Middle Dnieper in Belarus and the Ukraine was ice-free during this glaciation. On the other hand, immense glacial lobes during Saalian in the Middle Vistula and the Middle Dnieper valleys have not advanced presumably in the same time and were fed by ice moving from different parts of Scandinavia. Diversified Pleistocene tectonic uplifting in the area influenced much dynamics of the penultimate ice sheet in this part of Europe.

The paper presents a research on a marginal zone near Knyszewicze in the southern part of Sokółka Hills (northeastern Poland). Terminal moraine hills are arranged amphitheatrically in a lobal pattern. Dynamics of the Knyszewicze frontal ice-sheet lobe during the Saale Glaciation and successive stages of the marginal zone near the village of Knyszewicze were reconstructed based on sedimentary and geomorphological analysis, using a digital elevation model and morpholineaments. Three main phases of the Knyszewicze glacial-lobe activity were identified including accumulation of glaciofluvial deposits, advances of the ice margin and ice-lobe retreat. Moraine hills developed at a stable ice-lobe terminus, initially as short end-moraine fans with the following sequence of lithofacies Gh⇒SGh⇒Sh or Gm⇒Gh⇒Sh. Such a sequence indicates cyclic sheet-floods. During a small but dynamic advance of the ice sheet terminus, these deposits were moved forward and monoclinally folded, then furrowed with sloping faults due to horizontal pressure. Typical thrust-block push moraines developed in this way. Ice sheet advance took place when permafrost was present in the substratum and very high water pressure occurred at glacial terminus. Inside a lobal configuration of moraines, there is a rich inventory of glacial forms with a classic terminal depression in the central part. Based on this landform pattern, their shape, rhythm and glaciotectonic disturbances, the land relief may be referred to as a hill-hole pair. The structure of Horczaki Knoll, deposited on the sub-Quaternary tectonic structure, significantly contributed to a development of this marginal zone.

The object of the study was the fluvio-aeolian sedimentary succession in eight sites located in the central part of the European Sand Belt, in Poland and NW Ukraine. Based on the lithofacies, pedological and morphoscopic analyses, the analyses of frost structures and grain size as well as the TL, IR-OSL and 14 C dating, three lithofacies complexes deposited at the turn of the Weichselian and Holocene were documented. The fluvial complex was deposited in the Pleniglacial within a sandbed braided river, which in the final stage of deposition of the complex was transformed into an anastomosing river. These rivers functioned in continuous permafrost coverage. The fluvio-aeolian complex was the result of aeolian deposition and fluvial redeposition, resulting from the degradation of continuous permafrost at the turn of the Pleni- and Late Glacial. These processes operated in the areas abandoned by regular flow. The aeolian complex was accumulated following the development of aeolian sand forms – sandy and silt covers as well as parabolic and longitudinal dunes, after the complete degradation of permafrost at the end of the Late Glacial and Holocene. Improving climatic conditions were expressed by the presence of fossil levels of initial gley soil in the roof of the fluvio-aeolian complex as well as poorly developed podzolic and colluvial soils in the aeolian complex.

The surface textures of almost 1300 quartz grains in the 0.8-1.0mm and 0.5-0.8mm size fractions were studied in order to analyse the effects of frost weathering. Some grains had undergone periglacial processes in present-day active layers in Canada, Spitsbergen and Mongolia, whereas other grains were sampled from a former active layer in Poland. Microstructures were studied under a scanning electron microscope and the results statistically analysed in order to distinguish characteristic microstructures resulting from frost weathering. The quartz grains with these microstructures had been deposited by fluvial, aeolian and glacial processes and their characteristic microstructures are classified as primary microstructures. Microstructures that developed on primary ones as a result of frost weathering are called secondary microstructures. The most characteristic secondary frost weathering microstructures on the quartz grains are (1) small breakage blocks ( 10 mu m) and (3) single small conchoidal fractures ( 10 mu m), (2) microsteps, (3) edge roundings and (4) crescentic gouges. These findings facilitate the reconstruction of cryogenic conditions, support the recognition of ancient active layers and indicate grains that are particularly susceptible to frost weathering. Copyright (c) 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

During the Pomeranian phase of the Weichselian glaciation (~17-16 ka), the Toruń-Eberswalde ice-marginal valley (NW Poland and easternmost Germany) drained water from the Pomeranian ice sheet, while intensive aeolian processes took place across Europe in the foreland of the Scandinavian ice sheet (‘European Sand Belt’). The micromorphology of the quartz grains in the Toruń-Eberswalde ice-marginal valley shows no traces of these aeolian processes, or only vague signs of aeolian abrasion. This is unique among the aeolian sediments in other Pleistocene ice-marginal valleys in this part of Europe. The study of the surfaces of the quartz grains shows that the supply of grains by streams from the south was minimal, which must be ascribed to the climate deterioration during the Last Glacial Maximum, which resulted in a decrease of the discharge of these extraglacial rivers to the ice-marginal valley.

Density differences among the various heavy-mineral species appear to be the main factor responsible for their sorting in glaciofluvial and fluvial environments. Sediments from two sandurs (stretching perpendicular to the Weichselian ice-sheet front) and a terrace of the Torun-Eberswalde ice-marginal valley (extending parallel to the Weichselian ice-sheet front) in NW Poland support this idea clearly. The deposits investigated were formed during the Pomeranian phase of the Weichselian glaciation. Heavy-mineral and sedimentological analyses of these sediments indicate that most changes in the proportion of the various heavy-mineral species in gravelly and sandy sediments can be ascribed to changes in the flow regime, which is, in turn, related to the density of the various heavy-mineral species. In addition, the turbulence of the current and the bedform played a role in the sorting. The sedimentation rate also affected the heavy-mineral composition of the sandur and ice-marginal valley sediments. Furthermo...

The ice caps that covered large parts of the continents of the northern hemisphere during the Pleistocene glaciations drained huge quantities of meltwater. In several places the erosive power of the meltwater rivers has led to the formation of ice-marginal valleys (IMVs). A much-debated question is whether sediments deposited in IMVs by proglacial and extraglacial streams can be distinguished on the basis of their heavy-mineral content. This question was assessed by an inventory of the heavy-mineral assemblages from the middle part of the Toruń-Eberswalde IMV in northwest Poland, two sandurs that supplied sediment from the north and the pre-Wisła river system that supplied sediment from the south; all these streams fed the IMV. The largely similar heavy-mineral compositions and sediments concentrations of the middle part of the IMV and sandurs suggest that the sediment in the IMV was supplied almost entirely by the streams on the sandurs but also that some sediments were eroded from the Miocene subsoil of the IMV itself and for a small part from the south by the pre-Wisła river system. The only heavy mineral in the pre-Wisła sediments for which the percentage is significantly different from those in the sediments of the sandurs and the IMV terrace is epidote. The difference, however, is not seen in the sediments of the IMV so it can be concluded that the sediment supply to the middle part of this IMV by streams from the south was insignificant. This is in contrast with what was hitherto commonly assumed.

A core of the new borehole at Cierpieta in northern Poland was examined with sedimentological, palynological, plant macrofossil, diatom, malacological, and foraminiferal analyses and completed with radiocarbon, OSL and amino acid dating. Based on a floating scale chronology, a rapid marine transgression was found to have started in the southern Baltic region before 300 years from the beginning of the Eemian (RPAZ E1 or E2). Two pulses of increased salinity were distinguished (reaching 28 and 18 psu), with their maxima at about 800–3500 and 6200–6600 years since the beginning of the Eemian, suggesting a possible two-step transgression of the Eemian sea. Diatom species, typical for a tidal plain, were more abundant during transgressive phases, presumably not only due to seashore flooding but possibly also in response to more intensive tides. A final regression occurred some 7500 years after the beginning of the Eemian (end of RPAZ E5 or early E6) and the bay has been transformed into a lake-marshy reservoir. Studies of the section at Cierpieta are crucial for paleogeography of the Eemian sea in the southern Baltic region.

The paper presents the results of the research on biogenic sediments from the Jalowka profile (Podlasie region, NE Poland) situated at the foot of a dry valley slope. A 35 cm monolith of sediments was collected from the excavation pit. The sediments were deposited beneath 4 m thick mineral sediments. Interdisciplinary research helped to reconstruct the possible transformations of the local environment. Palynological, physical, and geochemical analyses were applied to organic sediments, and plant macroremains were examined. Five local pollen zones were identified in palynological terms and correlated with the late Warta Stadial (MIS 6) of the Odra Glaciation (Saalian), and four older periods of the Eemian Interglacial: MIS 5e (E1, E2, E3 and E4). Younger zones have not been preserved. They were eroded in the early Vistulian. During the late MIS 6, there was a eutrophic water body with highly transparent water, characterized by a relative stable water level. The landscape was dominated by tundra with a high proportion of Juniperus–Artemisia. Curves of oxygen (δ18O) and carbon (δ13C) stable isotopes confirmed the boundary between MIS 6 and MIS 5e. The beginning of the interglacial vegetation succession (E1) was characterized by expansion of birch–pine–spruce forests. Probably at the end of this period, the lake became shallower. E2 is distinguished by the dominance of pine and birch. The lake was replaced by a peat bog. The sequence of vegetation succession in the landscape was as follows: Quercus (E3), Corylus, Fraxinus-Alnus and Tilia (E4). Probably, the peat bog drained in the E4 and the water level rose again in the climate optimum of the Eemian Interglacial. The results of physical and geochemical analysis clearly corresponded with climatic changes determined by palynological analysis. They provided evidence of the changing redox conditions, variability and intensity of denudation, the scale of biological productivity, and fertility of the environment. The studied sediments were characterized by reducing conditions. The increase in terrigenous silica content and the relatively high N:K ratio indicated the predominance of mechanical denudation during the late glacial period of the Warta Stadial and the E2 period.

The study reconstructed the environment of a fan delta filling the vast end depression of the Skaliska Basin, and its overlying aeolian deposits. The formation of the large fan delta is associated with the presence of an ice-dammed lake functioning during the retreat of the Vistulian Glaciation (MIS 2). The examined material was collected from five boreholes. Sediments were analysed for their granulometric composition and subjected to analyses of frosting and rounding of quartz grains. Grain size analysis showed that the fan delta deposits are built of sand sediments of very low lateral and vertical variability. The fan delta was supplied with fluvioglacial sediments. Accumulation of sediments occurred in shallow water with a very low-gradient slope. The exposed fan delta became a site conducive to aeolian processes after the lake waters fell and the Skaliska Basin depression dried. Dune deposits overlying the fan were affected by short-distance transport so they did not acquire features typical for aeolian deposits.

The deposits of the Toruń Basin are dominated by a few-metre thick sand series which fill up buried valley-like depressions. In many cases they underlie the Weichselian till which builds up the ice marginal streamway (pradolina) terraces or they are exposed at the basin slopes. As the results of the geological and sedimentological studies, as well as of the dating of the deposits at the sites in the Toruń Basin indicate, the deposits include two fluvial series accumulated before the advancement of the Leszno Phase ice sheet, i.e. in Middle Weichselian and at the beginning of Late Weichselian. The oldest fluvial series connected with the Saalian Glaciation was found at the mouth section of the Drwęca Valley. The fluvial system of the Toruń Basin during Middle Weichselian and at the beginning of Late Weichselian developed in two phases of the sand-bed braided river. During the first one the river channel were dominated by large mid-riverbed sandbars, while during the second phase the water flow was smaller and, as a result, low transverse sandbars and two-dimensional dunes developed. Other active river channel also showed low-energy flows, more intensive meandering than in the case of the braided rivers, as well as sandy side-bars. Analysis of the rounding and frosting of the quartz grains indicate that the studied series of the Weichselian sandy deposits represent alluvia of a river which were fed from two diverse sources. The first one might have represented the alluvia of a warm river which transformed its load, while the other one might have mainly carried the underlying Quaternary deposits.

Quartz grains, 0.25−1.0 mm in diameter, taken from Pleistocene sands and a palaeo-active layer in Poland (Łodź Teofilow) and from silty-clayey sediments of the contemporary active layer near Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia) were analysed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Other analyses included granulometric composition, and frosting and rounding of quartz grains. The effects of frost weathering comprise several microstructures, such as breakage blocks (>10 µm and

Exposure ages and relative-age data are presented from eight sites in the Łomnica and Łomniczka valleys to provide essential information for reconstructing local glaciation chronology. A combination of 10Be exposure ages and Schmidt hammer data obtained for moraines indicate relatively short period of glacier accumulation lasting from 17.0 0.4 ka to 13.6 0.9 ka. Exposure age of 8.4 0.3 ka measured on the lowermost section of the Łomnica cirque headwall further confirms the view of glacier preservation in favourable sites until the beginning of the Holocene. A comparison of the obtained chronological data with timing of mountain glaciation in the nearby Upa Valley is used to propose the first correlative model of Late Quaternary glaciation in the eastern part of the Krkonose Mountains. The correlation implies that the lowermost preserved moraines originated during the local maximum of the last glaciation whereas recessional moraines were deposited until the Lateglacial period. A subsequent melting of glaciers terminated at the beginning of the Holocene. The implications of the model are discussed and further investigations are suggested to extend its validity to the whole mountain area.

A new borehole in Rozce (S Mazovian Lowland) drilled in 2012, combined with a wide variety of research methods (palaeomagnetism, palynological analysis, studies of plant macroremains and textural features of deposits) shed new light on the age and stratigraphic position of the Early Pleistocene deposits, formerly assigned as the Lower Pleistocene. The study focuses on the deposits from 50.7−104.0 m depth, between glacial till of the Nidanian Glaciation (ca. 0.9 Ma) and the Poznan Clays (ca. 5.322 Ma). The deposits situated directly underneath the till (50.7−60.2 m) are related to the Nidanian Glaciation and show a reversed polarity and correlate with the end of the Matuyama epoch. The deposits from 60.2−104.0 m depth were accumulated during the Early Pliocene, i.e. approximately 5.332–4.6 million years ago. They appear to correlate with the middle part of the Gilbert Palaeomagnetic Epoch and thus they are considerably older than previously thought. The cored section indicates a stratigraphic gap of about 3.5 Ma from the Lower Pliocene to the first advance of the Scandinavian ice sheets into Poland, which are thought to have occurred in the early Middle Pleistocene. The analysed deposits accumulated under variable climatic conditions showing two periods with significant aridity alternated with two periods of increased humidity. Deposits of the arid periods contain no pollen, but aeolian sand quartz grains are found. During periods of more humid climate the area was covered by various types of mixed forest.

We present results of research into fluvial to aeolian successions at four sites in the foreland of the Last Glacial Maximum, i.e., the central part of the “European Sand Belt”. These sites include dune fields on higher-lying river terraces and alluvial fans. Sediments were subjected to detailed lithofacies analyses and sampling for morphoscopic assessment of quartz grains. Based on these results, three units were identified in the sedimentary succession: fluvial, fluvio-aeolian and aeolian. Material with traces of aeolian origin predominate in these sediments and this enabled conclusions on the activity of aeolian processes during the Pleniglacial and Late Glacial, and the source of sediment supply to be drawn. Aeolian processes played a major role in the deposition of the lower portions of the fluvial and fluvio-aeolian units. Aeolian material in the fluvial unit stems from aeolian accumulation of fluvial sediments within the valley as well as particles transported by wind from beyond the valley. The fluvio-aeolian unit is composed mainly of fluvial sediments that were subject to multiple redeposition, and long-term, intensive processing in an aeolian environment. In spite of the asynchronous onset of deposition of the fluvio-aeolian unit, it is characterised by the greatest homogeneity of structural and textural characteristics. Although the aeolian unit was laid down simultaneously, it is typified by the widest range of variation in quartz morphoscopic traits. It reflects local factors, mainly the origin of the source material, rather than climate. The duration of dune-formation processes was too short to be reflected in the morphoscopy of quartz grains.

The aim of the study was to test if it is possible to distinguish Quaternary sediments bearing evidence of the impact of aeolian processes during their accumulation. It was also important to verify if distinguishing of these series would be useful in the accurate determination of stratigraphic position, determined previously using lithological, petrographic and palynological methods. The sediments were sampled from five boreholes, reaching the Tertiary, and from six exposures, all from Central, East and North Poland. The following features were taken to indicate a significant role of aeolian processes during sediment accumulation: high percentage of quartz grains (0.8–1.0 mm) in the sand fraction characterized by distinct rounding and frosting; high quartz content and low feldspar content (0.8–1.0 mm), and the composition of the heavy minerals fraction (0.1–0.2 mm). Garnets are particularly resistant to mechanical abrasion, whereas micaeous minerals are susceptible to winnowing. This spectrum of textural features, that indicates the effects of intensive aeolian processes, was termed “deposit aeolization”. Sediment aeolization may be observed in sediments of various origin: aeolian, fluvial or lacustrine. The study proved that the highest degree of aeolization occurred in alluvial (fluvioperiglacial) sediments accumulated before the first Riss (Odra) glaciation and in aeolian and fluvial sediments during the decline of Weichselian glaciation. Sediment aeolization is a valuable supplement to previous methods to indicate the stratigraphic position. The degree of aeolization allows the delimitation of the boundary between the Quaternary and Tertiary; it identifies glacitectonic and tectonic deformations; and it distinguishes fluvial and fluvioperiglacial sheets from fluvioglacial sheets. It is useful in estimating the length and intensity of aeolian processes; it adds to the interpretation of climatic conditions at the time of deposition and defines the limits of interglacial sheets within sandy sediments (30 to about 100 m thick) separating boulder clay units.