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The aim of this study is to check the validity of luminescence ages obtained from last glacial–interglacial Polish loess palaeosol sequences (LPSs) by several established current protocols, with respect to sound geomorphological and chronostratigraphic interpretations. We report 38 new optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages from fine-grained (4–11 µm) quartz separates extracted from four loess palaeosol sequences in Poland, measured in the Bayreuth Luminescence Laboratory, Germany. The investigated sections are situated in Lower Silesia in the southwest (Zaprężyn, Trzebnica Hills, and Biały Kościół, Strzelin Hills), the Sandomierz Upland (Złota) in central Poland, and the Volhynian Upland (Tyszowce) in the east, allowing for regional comparison. From one Silesian section (Biały Kościół) 12 new post-infrared infrared stimulated luminescence (pIRIR) ages are presented in addition to the quartz ages of identical sample material. The obtained ages are compared to already published independently elaborated middle-grain (45–63 µm) and coarse-grain (90–125 µm) quartz ages and pIRIR ages from fine grains produced in the Gliwice Luminescence Laboratory (Poland). This comparison shows that in many cases the middle- and coarse-grain quartz ages underestimate the fine-grain quartz ages, but a general rule has not been able to be established so far, likely due to different geological origin of the quartz grains. Even fine-grain quartz ages ≥∼ 50 ka may be underestimated with respect to lithostratigraphic expectations. For pIRIR ages, however, no evidence for age underestimates has been found in the studied sections, but they are more easily prone to age overestimates due to unknown residual doses at deposition in a periglacial environment. Basic agreement between the luminescence-based chronologies elaborated in the two involved laboratories can be stated for the first time in contrast to other previous studies. The observed age differences are, however, critical for the accurate time bracketing of geomorphologic and pedostratigraphic features such as ice wedging, thermokarst erosion events, and interstadial soil formations and for their attribution to marine isotope stages. Alternative interpretations are discussed including possible periglacial mirroring of pre-LGM ice advances (Ristinge and Klintholm advances) in the southwestern Baltic Sea area. The uncertainty in luminescence ages from pre-Holocene loess due to fossil ice during permafrost conditions is the major systematic error source which will be addressed but at present is far from an unambiguous solution. The present study focuses on a complex of interstadial soils now labelled L1SS1 and on harsh periglacial climate afterwards and before, yielding some unexpected results for the timing of ice wedging and thermokarst processes. In order not to leave the users alone with the decision about the most credible dating, the suggested way forwards is to simultaneously apply various luminescence dating protocols including different quartz grain sizes and pIRIR from fine polymineral grains, as an honest approach to reliable time bracketing of geomorphological processes and stratigraphic events under debate. A refinement of this approach remains challenging as far as the sole reliable dating protocol is not ensured.

The continuing development of analytical methods for investigating sedimentary records calls for iterative re‐examination of existing data sets obtained on loess‐palaeosol sequences (LPS) as archives of palaeoenvironmental change. Here, we re‐investigate two LPS (Hecklingen, Zilly) in the northern Harz foreland, Germany, being of interest due to their proximity to the Scandinavian Ice Sheet (SIS) and the position between oceanic climatic influence further west and continental influence towards the east. First, we established new quartz OSL and polymineral IRSL chronologies. Both methods show concordant ages in the upper part of the Hecklingen profile (~20–40 ka), but in the lower part IRSL underestimates OSL ages by up to ~15 ka for the period 40–60 ka. Interpretations hence refer to the OSL data set. Second, we applied Bayesian age‐depth modelling to data sets from Hecklingen to resolve inversions in the original ages, also reducing averaged 1σ uncertainty by ~19% (OSL) and ~12% (IRSL). Modelled chronologies point out phases of increased (MIS 2, early MIS 3) and reduced (middle and late MIS 3) sedimentation, but interpretation of numerical rates is problematic because of intense erosion and slope wash particularly during MIS 3. Finally, previously obtained grain‐size data were re‐investigated by end member modelling analyses. Three fundamental grain‐size distributions (loadings) explain the measured data sets and offer information on intensity and – combined with modelled OSL ages – timing of geomorphic processes. We interpret the loadings to represent (i) primary loess accumulation, (ii) postdepositional pedogenesis and/or input of aeolian fine fractions, and (iii) input of coarse aeolian material and/or slope wash. The applied modelling tools facilitate detailed understanding of site‐formation through time, allowing us to correlate a strong peak in mean grain size at ~26–24 ka to the maximum extent of the SIS and increased influence of easterly winds., Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100001659

Generally, the Quaternary palaeo dune fields on the Eastern Canary Islands are built up by different dune generations which are seperated by reddish silty layers. The biogenic carbonate sands originate from the shallow marine shelf around the islands and reach the dune fields from northern direction.On northern Fuerteventura different lava flows were formed during the Late Pleistocene, and gradually interrupted the sand pathways of the dune fields close to the western coast. The sedimentation pattern in these dune fields indicates that this cut off was completed not later than 50 ka. A huge calcium carbonate crust in the outcrops marks the stratigraphic position of that final cut off. This crust was a subject of intensive debates, and was formerly linked to unstable environmental conditions. However, within the dune fields on the neigbouring island Lanzarote we did not find a comparable carbonate crust at the similar stratigraphic position. Instead, the El Jable dune field on northwestern Lanzarote shows a well-resolved dune sequence with intercalated silty layers during that period.Consequently, the dune fields on the Eastern Canary Islands point to the importance of carbonate sand transport as the main driving force within the sediment system. Finally we can conclude that unimpaired sand pathways are a mandatory prerequisite for the buildup of palaeoclimatic signals in the Quaternary dune archives.

Revealing an amazing diversity of forms, river systems have always to be interpreted as products of their specific landscapes. Extremely sensitive to external and internal forcing, they reflect the particular characteristics of climatological and geological conditions as well as the changes of these conditions. These changes are regularly preserved in depositional series whose varying sedimentary characteristics can be attributed either to palaeoclimatic variations or to tectonic activities and their corresponding changes in fluvial discharge and sediment load. What applies to fluvial sediments in general, is particularly true for river terraces. Regularly, they are regarded as valuable palaeoenvironmental and archaeological archives and their particular importance is well documented by a huge and still growing number of studies spanning a wide range of climatic and regional settings.However, the information gained from fluvial terraces and their significance for palaeoenvironmental and present-day fluvial research strongly depend on an accurate and precise dating of the terrace formation. Numerical ages are of fundamental importance for the interpretation of sedimentological, morphological and stratigraphical findings. They are essential for assessing the influence of various driving forces and for providing insights into the mechanisms and dynamics of river adjustments over variable temporal scales.In this contribution, we present luminescence ages of fluvial deposits originating from an Upper Pleistocene river terrace in a small valley located in the headwater of the Main River, Germany. For this study, several samples from various locations throughout the river longitudinal course have been analysed. Surprisingly, the determined luminescence ages for material from the lowermost part of the valley are significantly older than those from the middle section, which in turn are older than those from the valley’s upper reaches. Based on the evaluation of a high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) and on intensive fieldwork, we can be sure that all samples originate from the very same morphological unit, a well-preserved late Pleistocene fluvial terrace.Our results suggest a diachronic alignment of sedimentation ages for fluvial deposits, starting with old ages close to the mouth of a river and getting progressively younger for locations approaching the upper reaches. If these findings are confirmed in other fluvial systems and are not only the result of very specific local conditions, they will be of great relevance for geomorphological research in fluvial landscapes. As a result, the widespread approach of deriving age estimates for fluvial terraces from numerical results merely determined for a single location appears to be inadequate and should be subjected to a critical review.

For this study, a 15-m sediment core from the Roman harbor of Ephesus has been dated with the luminescence technique. 14C age estimates from the same and a neighboring core were used for comparing and validating the luminescence dating results via a single aliquot regenerative dose (SAR) protocol: infrared stimulation of polymineral and blue stimulation of quartz. The results reveal new insights into the deposition of the sediments of the Roman harbor from 2000 BC to AD 1500 approximately. Some samples showed incomplete bleaching. The difference between the polymineral and the quartz techniques described the bleaching condition before burial. When both approaches give consistent ages, complete bleaching can be assumed. Consistent ages were further applied to the Bayesian age-depth model and discussed within the archeological context. Based on the Bayesian age-depth model, a high sedimentation rate of ca. 65 mm/year was calculated for the period of ~ 700–400 BC suggesting a fast advance of the delta front. However, other age estimates suggest a fast advance for the period 200 BC to ca. AD 100. This is probably due to incomplete bleaching of the luminescence samples and the use of bulk samples for 14C for this new study. Comparing the results with nearby cores suggests that dredging was conducted in the southern part of the Roman harbor at a depth of ca. 5 m b.s.l.

The appearances of palaeosurfaces intercalated into palaeo-dune fields on Fuerteventura are multifaceted. Although reddened layers in these dune sediments might suggest that strong soil-formation processes have taken place, the combination of aridity and parent material, namely biogenic carbonate sand of shelf origin, reveals that strong soil formation seems unlikely. These sediments rather represent de- and recalcification processes only. Solely in the case of admixed material of volcanic origin and dust deposits further soil-forming processes seem to be possible. Hematite-rich Saharan dust contributes to reddish colouration of the palaeosurfaces. In addition, CaCO3-coated iron particles appear to be ingredients of dust being leached after deposition and transformed to hematite. Overall, we propose much weaker soil-forming processes during the Pleistocene than previously postulated. Our findings support the relevance of local environments. Carbonate sands of shelf origin hinder strong soil formation and the reddish layers separating dune generations are palaeosurfaces, which mainly consist of Saharan dust. After deposition of allochthonous material, these layers are overprinted by weak soil-forming processes. The formation of palaeosurfaces primarily depends on morphodynamically stable periods during limited sand supply. Our data suggest a cyclicity of processes in the following order: (1) sand accumulation, (2) dust accumulation and weak soil formation, and (3) water-induced erosion. For the Canary Islands, we support the assumption of glacial maxima being periods of increased levels of moisture. In combination with rising sea level, we propose that favorable conditions of surface stability occur immediately after glacial maxima during periods of starting transgression, whereas regression periods immediately after sea-level high stands seem to yield the highest sand supply for the study area.

The partial neurocranium of a Neanderthal was recovered from deposits related to the latest volcanic activities recorded at the Wannen Volcanic Group. This last volcanic event provided heated mineral samples for thermoluminescence (TL) and Ar/Ar dating, allowing the estimation of the age of the hominin remains. Novel TL methods using a much less time consuming measurement protocol and employing the orange-red TL-signal (R-TL) were applied, resulting in ages of 177 ± 18 ka and 176 ± 21 ka for two samples of different geology. This new data is compared with standard TL-approaches for one of the samples, which provide an age of 187 ± 29 ka. The luminescence data is contrasted with a newly obtained Ar/Ar-age of 191 ± 12 ka for a sample from the identical heating event. All TL-dating results provide congruent results and are in perfect accordance with Ar/Ar dating, showing the applicability and accuracy of the new TL approach employed. These data also agree well with the geological age estimates and other chronometric data, placing the volcanism at Wannen to around 180–190 ka and thus providing a Saalian age of the fossil. Such an old age, however, contrasts to the reported preliminary placement of this specimen late in the Neanderthal lineage.

Robust chronologies of Late Pleistocene and Holocene volcanic eruptions are vital for hazard analysis but accurate and precise dating of these events is often difficult. Here we apply various luminescence techniques to quartz and polymineral extracts from heated crustal xenoliths enclosed in scoria and volcanically heated bedrock in the Quaternary Eifel Volcanic Field (EVF), Germany. Consistent results from red thermoluminescence (RTL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) of quartz and from post-infrared infrared stimulated luminescence of polymineral material demonstrate complete luminescence signal resetting during lava emplacement and sufficient signal stability. RTL and OSL age underestimation of one sample with independently known age from the lava contact zone could be eliminated by annealing before laboratory regenerative irradiation. The average luminescence age of 33.6 ± 2.4 ka for the Wartgesberg eruption is in good agreement with independent age control, while the average age of 15.5 ± 1.1 ka for the Facher Hohe scoria cone is much younger than previously assumed. This result represents the third youngest known eruption in the EVF. Our new data are in line with the hypothesized climate-controlled triggering of Eifel volcanism and confirm that active volcanism related to asthenosphere upwelling migrates from NW to SE in the EVF.

Dieser Beitrag beschreibt zunachst die Grundlagen der Lumineszenzdatierung. Erkenntnisse und Methoden aus der Festkorperphysik sowie aus der Radiochemie spielen dabei eine grundlegende Rolle. Die Art des datierten Ereignisses – letztmalige Erhitzung oder Belichtung – eroffnet ein breites Anwendungsspektrum dieser Methode fur Zeitraume von 102 bis mehreren 105 Jahren. Durch die Zusammenarbeit von Datierern mit Geowissenschaftlern und Archaologen in den letzten etwa 50 Jahren stellen die verschiedenen Techniken der Lumineszenzdatierung heute ein unverzichtbares Hilfsmittel zur Losung geowissenschaftlicher sowie kulturhistorischer Fragestellungen dar. In this article, we describe the basic principles of luminescence dating, for which knowledge and methods of solid state physics and radiochemistry play a major role. The type of dated event – the last heating or daylight exposure – opens up a broad spectrum of applications of this method for periods ranging from 102 up to several 105 years. Through the cooperation of dating specialists with geoscientists and archaeologists, luminescence dating is nowadays an essential tool for addressing problems in Earth-science and human history.

The dune sequences of Fuerteventura mainly consist of biogenic carbonate sands which originate from the shallow marine shelf. By onshore winds those carbonate sands migrate landwards, building up sequences of different dune generations with intercalated reddish silty layers. Former studies discussed the formation of dune generations on Fuerteventura against climatic shifts, sea level changes or changing wind directions, and the more researchers just focused on the volcanism of that island but the influence of volcanism on the formation of dune archives has never been discussed. According to this, the absence of sand deposits is not always climatically controlled nor by sea level changes nor by changing wind direction. The distribution and dating (sharding and OSL dating) of deposits on northern Fuerteventura indicate that the palaeo dune fields close to the western coast were cut off from sand supply gradually, caused by different periods of volcanism. For northern Fuerteventura three main periods can be differentiated: I. Period: around 180–170 ka, II. Period: around 135 ka and III. Period: not later than 50 ka. In that course, we investigated a palaeo dune field close to the eastern coast to illustrate exemplarily the impact of volcanic activity on dune field formation and its morphology. Additionally, we aimed to extend the chrono-stratigraphic correlation of dune sequences (according to Roettig et al., 2017). Now, the correlation across the island is spanning from the western to the eastern coastline and dates back to 450 ka. In terms of luminescence dating, the layers dominated by carbonate sands show only small amount of datable minerals, whereas the material of reddish silty layers are dominated by the imprint of Saharan dust and therefore contain increased content of quartz and feldspar. In contrast to material dominated by carbonate sands the dating performed on palaeosurface material seem to reveal uniformly younger IRSL ages.

© 2018 Elsevier Ltd and INQUA. Reconstructing dust Mass Accumulation Rate (MAR) from loess deposits is critical to understanding past atmospheric mineral dust activity and requires accurate independent age models from loess deposits across Europe and Asia. Previous correlations of loess in Europe and China have tended to focus on multi-millennial timescales, with no detailed examination of dust MAR at the two ends of the Eurasian loess belt on shorter, sub-orbital scales. Here we present a detailed quartz optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) chronology from the Serbian Titel Loess Plateau (Veliki Surduk loess core) and the Chinese Loess Plateau (Lingtai section). The luminescence ages pass internal tests and show consistent increases in age with depth, with no obvious major hiatuses. However, as reported before, it seems the quartz OSL technique is only capable of accurate age determination up to accrued doses of ca. 150 Gy (ca. 30-40 ka) due to approaching field saturation of the quartz OSL signal. Two age-depth models were used to reconstruct dust MARs, where one utilises OSL data solely and the other additionally makes assumptions about sedimentation rates. Although short-term fluctuations in MAR are model dependent, general MAR patterns between the two sites are very similar, with peak MAR occurring rather late in the last glacial (ca. 13-25 ka). This suggests that at least broad scale trends in dust activity within the last glacial period may be similar at a continental scale.

Den Schwerpunkt dieser Arbeit bilden die Ergebnisse sedimentologischer, palynologischer, malakologischer und chronometrischer Untersuchungen an Sedimenten aus dem Zentralbereich des Paläoseebeckens Neumark-Nord 2. Die interdisziplinären Untersuchungen an dem 11 m mächtigen Hauptprofil A und benachbarten Profilen zeigen übereinstimmend, dass die limnische Sedimentation vom Ende des Saale-Komplexes über die Eem-Warmzeit bis in die Weichsel-Kaltzeit erfolgte. Das Profil lässt Seespiegelschwankungen mit einer generellen Tendenz der Verflachung und Verlandung sowie wechselnde Sedimentationsraten erkennen. Durch die palynologischen Untersuchungen sind außerdem mit Erosion und Sedimentumlagerungen verbundene Hiaten festgestellt worden. Eine von Laurat et al. (2006) und Mania et al. (2008, 2010) im Profil ausgewiesene zusätzliche Warmzeit, die durch eine Kaltphase von der Eem-Warmzeit separiert und zudem jünger als das Interglazial von NN1 sein soll, existiert nicht. Vor allem die palynostratigraphische, aber auch die malakologische Koinzidenz der Becken NN1 und NN2 belegt die Gleichaltrigkeit der Ablagerungen. Somit ist in Neumark-Nord zwischen der Saale-Grundmoräne der Zeitz-Phase und den periglaziären Bildungen der Weichsel-Kaltzeit nur eine Warmzeit nachweisbar, das Eem. Dies wird durch neue geochronologische Daten eindeutig verifiziert. Daher können die zuletzt von Mania et al. (2010) dokumentierten Lagerungsbeziehungen, nach denen die Beckenfolge von NN2 über der von NN1 liegen soll, nicht bestätigt werden. In Neumark-Nord werden die klimatischen Besonderheiten des Mitteldeutschen Trockengebietes während der Eem-Warmzeit deutlich. Insofern bietet der Vergleich der Eem-Vorkommen von Neumark-Nord, Gröbern und Grabschütz ein Lehrbeispiel für die standortspezifische Variabilität benachbarter synchroner Warmzeitprofile., research

This paper describes dune sand-paleosol-sequences of four pits in Northern Fuerteventura (Canary Islands). The elaborated stratigraphy is reinforced with luminescence dating to provide a first chronological estimation. Apart from a Holocene colluvial layer, the sequence spans the period from ca. 50 ka to ca. 280 ka. Paleosols were formed during glacial times and point to a standstill in sand supply. The isotopic composition of terrestrial gastropod shells retrieved from soil horizons reflects fluctuations in humidity conditions during different edaphic phases. Because eolian sands were deposited during glacial times as well, it is inferred that soil development was simply caused by a decrease in sand supply independent of climate change. Our geomorphic, geochronological and isotopic results are discussed considering different perspectives of dune sand-paleosol intercalation and more broadly, soil-forming conditions in general.

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We present several approaches to directly date the prehistoric human activity of lighting a fire at the Early Gravettian infant burial site of Krems-Wachtberg (Austria) by thermoluminescence (TL) methods. Blue thermoluminescence (B-TL) from polymineral fine grain and orange-red thermoluminescence (R-TL) from fine-grained quartz separates, both extracted from the baked loess immediately underlying the hearth were employed. The B-TL dating followed the “classic” multiple aliquot-additive dose (MAAD) protocol. For R-TL dating, the multiple aliquot-regenerative (MAR) and a shortened single-aliquot-regeneration (SAR) protocol were tested. All thermoluminescence ages obtained agree within 1-σ uncertainties and assign a weighted mean age of 33.9 ± 2.3 ka to the last use of the hearth and by inference to the infant burial. Anomalous fading is precluded due to the agreement of results from all luminescence protocols as well as with independent dating methods. The TL ages are consistent with calibrated radiocarbon ages on associated charcoal, OSL dating of the sediment deposition and with age estimates obtained by two magnetic dating approaches.

To study paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic changes in loess-paleosol sequences (LPS), most proxies except for screening parameters have often been applied at low sampling density, typically 1-2 per stratigraphic unit. This might lead to results that overlook paleovegetation effects that were not only restricted to paleosols but also affected underlying loess material. Here, a new profile was investigated in the loess-paleosol sequence (LPS) at Nussloch, SW Germany using a high resolution multi-proxy approach to improve our understanding of the Late Pleistocene record which serves as a standard sequence in Central Europe. This approach included several geophysical and geochemical parameters, as well as frequencies of root-related features. Grain size distribution and OSL dating enabled correlation of the new section with the nearby standard profile P4, revealing considerable variations of the thickness of stratigraphic units due to local small-scale variations in depositional conditions and paleogeomorphology of longitudinal greda structures. Magnetic susceptibility revealed weathering of the entire LPS under more humid conditions than those described for SE European and Chinese LPS. It further enabled a rough differentiation between an interval that was influenced by pedogenic processes (Lower Pleniglacial to lower part of the Upper Pleniglacial), and loess that was not markedly affected by soil formation. Color measurements confirmed these results and enabled the identification of several paleosols in the Upper Pleniglacial. For the uppermost part of the LPS, low magnetic susceptibility and inorganic geochemical parameters such as low Fe/Ti ratios indicated only weak or no pedogenic influence. In contrast, considerable variations e.g. in carbonatic carbon contents and organic carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio might be related to the high frequency of calcified root remains (up to 200 rhizoliths m(-2) and up to 12,500 microrhizoliths m(-2)) in certain depth intervals of the LPS, entailing incorporation and degradation of organic matter. Frequencies of biopores, which are suggested to derive largely from former root growth and, to a lesser extent, from insect and earthworm bioturbation, were related to paleosols, and thus confirmed the pedostratigraphy. An improved assessment of terrestrial sedimentary archives can be achieved by high-resolution multi-proxy analysis and three-dimensional investigation of terrestrial sediments that are prone to bioturbation. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The loess–paleosol sequences Batajnica/Stari Slankamen (Serbia) and Mircea Voda (Romania) represent key archives for the climate and landscape development of the middle and lower Danube Basin during the last 700,000 years. For deciphering the Quaternary climate evolution in these regions, the Batajnica/Stari Slankamen and Mircea Voda sites are for the first time studied by a multi-proxy approach based on iron mineralogical parameters. Changes in the iron mineralogical composition are identified and characterized by rock magnetic investigations, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and Munsell color based proxies. The results show that environmental conditions during mid- and early Middle Pleistocene interglacials were more favorable for hematite formation, suggesting a more oxidizing pedoclimate as in the more recent interglacials. This is also reflected in a gradual increase of the anhysteretic remanent magnetization vs. saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (ARM/SIRM) ratio. In the studied profiles changes in this ratio can be linked to a preferential hematitization of coarse-grained ferrimagnetica and relates to warmer climate conditions and a more extended estival dry period. At the same time, rock magnetic parameters indicate a preferential destruction of fine-grained magnetic particles in older paleosols resulting from seasonal excess moisture. A progressive cooling and decrease of rainfall during the Middle and Late Pleistocene is evidenced not only for interglacial pedocomplexes but also for glacial loess layers. This finding is in line with previously published proxy records of silicate weathering and clay formation at these sites and similar trends reported from other sites in the European steppe belt. Relating iron mineralogical proxies to paleopedological characteristics and proxies of silicate weathering, additionally a change in the seasonal pattern of the interglacial temperature and precipitation regime from a Mediterranean type to a steppe type climate is revealed, highlighting the potential of such a multi-proxy approach. Possible triggers for this paleoenvironmental evolution are discussed, as well, finally highlighting a “Quaternary uplift hypothesis”, which best could explain the inferred trend of cooling, aridification and increasing continentality. Accordingly, changes in atmospheric circulation and rain shadow effects induced by small-scale uplift of European mountain belts (Alps, Carpathians, Dinaric Alps) would provide a driving mechanism for the westward extension of the Eurasian steppe belt into Central and SE-Europe during the Quaternary.

Das Alter von acht Proben aus einem Lössprofil der Freilandfundstelle Grub-Kranawetberg (Niederösterreich) wurde mittels der Lumineszenzmethoden der IRSL-Datierungen an der polymineralischen Feinkornfraktion und der OSL-Datierungen an der Mittelkornfraktion von Quarzen bestimmt. Kalibrierte Radiokohlenstoffalter von ca. 30 ka für den archäologischen Hauptfundhorizont AH4 werden innerhalb der Fehlergrenzen durch IRSL- und OSL-Alter bestätigt. Anomales Ausheilen der feldspat-dominierten Feinkornfraktion konnte im Labor nicht nachgewiesen werden, weshalb die MAAD-IRSL Alter nicht korrigiert wurden. Während die meisten IRSL- und OSL-Alter innerhalb ihrer Fehlergrenzen übereinstimmen, unterschätzen einige IRSL-Alter die OSL-Alter aus bisher unbekannten Gründen signifikant, wobei die Mittelwerte der OSL-Resultate tendenziell älter als die IRSLDatierungen sind. Nach den OSL-Altern wurde der aufgeschlossene Löss einschließlich eines interstadialen Bodenkomplexes („Stillfried B“) im Zeitraum zwischen ca. 47 ka und ca. 30 ka gebildet. Mögliche edostratigraphische Korrelationen mit einigen europäischen Lössgebieten sowie paläoökologische Überlegungen zur menschlichen Besiedlung im Jungpaläolithikum werden diskutiert.

Loess deposits in the Vojvodina region, northern Serbia, are among the oldest and most complete loess-paleosol sequences in Europe to date. These thick sequences contain a detailed paleoclimatic record from the late Early Pleistocene. Based on the correlation of detailed magnetic susceptibility (MS) records from Vojvodina with the Chinese loess record and deep-sea isotope stratigraphy we here reconfirm and expand on a stratigraphic model of the Vojvodinian loess-paleosol chronostratigraphic sequence following the Chinese loess stratigraphic system.Variations in MS, dust accumulation rates, and the intensity of pedogenesis demonstrate evidence for a Middle Pleistocene climatic and environmental transition. The onset of loess deposition in Vojvodina also indicates a direct link between dust generation in Europe and that in the interior of Eurasia since the Early Pleistocene. The youngest part of the Early Pleistocene and oldest part of the Middle Pleistocene is characterised by relatively uniform dust accumulation and soil formation rates as well as relatively high magnetic susceptibility values. In contrast, the last five interglacial-glacial cycles are characterised by sharp environmental differences between high dust accumulation rates during the glacials and low rates observed during soil development. The data presented in this study demonstrate the great potential of Vovjodina's loess archives for accurate reconstruction of continental Eurasian Pleistocene climatic and environmental evolution.

1 ABSTRACT Little is known about the long-term Quaternary climate evolution of central and south- east Europe, because suitable terrestrial paleoenvironmental records are scarce. We present a multiproxy record of loess paleosol sequences in the Middle and Lower Danube Basins over the past 700 k.y. In these lowlands, the continentality of interglacial climate progressively increased during the Middle Pleistocene. Corresponding trends are seen in other climate prox- ies in the same region and in the lowlands of the northern Black Sea, but not, or less clearly, in climate archives from outside these lowlands. We conclude that a small-scale increase in paleoelevation of central European mountain ranges (the Alps, Carpathians, and Dinarides) during the Middle Pleistocene might be the cause of the progressive increase in climate conti- nentality of southeast European lowlands.

Precipitation and topsoil samples from a climate transect over the Scandinavian Mountains, Norway, were analyzed for bulk and compound-specific δ18O values. The natural abundance of 18O in the plant-derived hemicellulose biomarkers arabinose and xylose correlates positively with δ18O of bulk soil, but not with δ18O of precipitation. This suggests that other factors than δ18Oprec, such as evaporative 18O enrichment of leaf water, exert a strong influence on the natural abundance of 18O in soils.

Carbonate aeolianites are important Quaternary archives at the point of intersection between marine and terrestrial systems. Since they are composed of alternating aeolian sediments and several paleosol units, these sequences are highly suitable to reconstruct palaeoenvironmental conditions. In northern Fuerteventura, at least five different areas are characterised by successions of different dune generations and paleosols. Few studies have addressed the stratigraphic order of individual dune areas. Therefore, a comprehensive consideration spanning several dune fields is needed. Here, we aim to present a detailed stratigraphy of two different dune areas and to identify the contribution of different materials (shelf origin, dust origin, volcanic origin) along with processes (accumulation, soil formation, erosion/preservation) that build up these archives. Four key sections were selected and sampled for laboratory analyses (texture, elemental composition, CaCO3 content, palaeoenvironmental magnetics, luminescence dating, and gastropod assemblages). Based on main stratigraphic features, five major sedimentary sequences were identified indicating differences in prevailing sediment supply, humidity, and volcanic activity. First luminescence dating (IRSL) of the sequences revealed sedimentation ages between 360 ka and 15 ka. Finally, we are able to demonstrate that different dune areas show comparable stratigraphic patterns, but each studied site is defined by certain characteristics depending on the respective features of the closer surrounding. The knowledge of these peculiarities and the underlying background is essential in order to correlate different sites and to attempt an appropriate environmental interpretation of the sedimentary sequences.

The natural abundances of stable oxygen (18O/16O) and hydrogen isotopes (2H/1H) are valuable proxies of climate changes in the past. Yet, to date no continuous δ18O and only few δ2H records are available from loess–paleosol sequences. Taking advantage of a recently developed method based on compound-specific δ18O analyses of hemicellulose sugar biomarkers in soils (Zech and Glaser, 2009. RCM 23, 3522-3532), we here present a first terrestrial δ18O biomarker record from an eolian permafrost paleosol sequence in NE-Siberia that covers the last ~ 220 ka. The δ18O values of the hemicellulose biomarkers arabinose and xylose range from 22.5 to 32.8‰ and from 21.3 to 31.9‰, respectively, and reveal systematic glacial–interglacial shifts. The modern topsoil and the interglacial paleosols exhibit more positive δ18O values, whereas the glacial paleosols are characterized by more negative δ18O values. This is in agreement with the δ2H record obtained for sedimentary n-alkane leaf wax biomarkers. We present a conceptual model for interpreting the combined δ18O and δ2H biomarker record. Based on this model, we suggest that both our δ18O and the δ2H records primarily reflect the temperature-controlled isotopic composition of paleoprecipitation modified by evaporative isotope enrichment of leaf water during transpiration. Considering fractionation factors during sugar and n-alkane biomarker biosynthesis allows reconstructing the leaf water isotopic composition and the deuterium excess of the leaf water. The deuterium excess may serve as proxy for evaporative enrichment and allows calculating relative humidity using a Craig–Gordon model. Accordingly, relative humidity in NE-Siberia was higher during marine isotope stage (MIS) 6 compared to MIS 2, 4 and 5d and thus could help explaining the much larger extent of the Late Saalian glaciation compared to the Weichselian glaciations. Using the Craig–Gordon model, we also calculated δ18O of the plant source water (δ18Osource water), which can be assumed to primarily reflect δ18O of paleoprecipitation. Our 220 ka δ18Osource water record is well in agreement with the δ18Odiatom record from Crater Lake El'gygytgyn in NE-Siberia and enables a regional paleoclimate reconstruction and interpretation. Accordingly, summer temperature was periodically warmer than at present during the Weichselian glacial period and there is a strong July insolation forcing of the summer temperature in the extremely continental study area. Overall, our study highlights the great potential of the novel hemicellulose biomarker δ18O method for paleoclimate reconstructions, especially when combined with δ2H analyses of n-alkane lipid biomarkers.

1) As we are working in the same and similar settings on the eastern Canary Islands and also endeavouring to establish reliable ages based on luminescence dating, we followed the numerical ages published in this paper with great interest. Since besides a wellestablished stratigraphy it is always preferable to have a robust time control, we should be happy to accept these new ages from the Rosa Negra quarry at this time (Fig. 4). However, it is essential to have some detailed explanations (methods) on the dating procedure applied by the authors. In particular, we would like to know on what material luminescence dating was conducted: Was it IRSL on feldspar, or was it OSL on quartz? Were fine or coarse grains used? Were single or multiple aliquot protocols applied? How were dose

Glacial chronologies from the Pamir may not only provide insights into past changes in temperature, but also into past changes in precipitation related to the northern-hemispheric westerlies and the monsoonal circulation. We present 18 new exposure ages from the Bogchigir Valleys that complement and refine our previous studies in these valleys. The most extensive dated glaciation in the area occurred ~ 100 ka, during Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage (MIS) 5, and indicates increased precipitation likely from both the westerlies and the monsoonal circulation. A subsequent glacier advance, which deposited characteristic ‘chukur’ moraine lobes, occurred at ~ 80–75 ka. Circumstantial evidence points to glacial advances at ~ 65 and 40 ka, the latter likely also documenting increased monsoonal moisture supply during MIS 3. Less extensive glacial advances occurred during MIS 2 at ~ 28 and 24 ka and reflect the aridization trend during the course of the last glacial cycle. Deglaciation started ~ 21 ka, interrupted by minor stillstands or readvances at ~ 16 and 12 ka. Local calibration sites and glacier-climate modeling would be very helpful to reduce the systematic methodological uncertainties (still at least 10%) and to draw more detailed paleoclimatic conclusions.

This study contributes to the paleoenvironmental reconstruction of the loess–paleosol sequence of Nussloch, Germany, by using n-alkanes as plant leaf-wax-derived lipid biomarkers. We found that n-alkane patterns and concentrations in the Saalian loess and the last interglacial Eemian paleosol of Nussloch point to very strong degradation and prevailing deciduous vegetation. Degradation effects in the overlying paleosols and loess layers are less pronounced and allow for the application of an end-member mixing model to estimate vegetation changes semi-quantitatively. Our findings highlight the potential for the interpretation of degradation-corrected n-alkane ratios. n-Alkane modelling results for loess layers, paleosols and an in-filled paleochannel dated to ~ 60–32 ka suggest that up to ~ 50% of the n-alkanes were derived from deciduous trees or shrubs. This finding is in agreement with the abundant occurrence of wood fragments and indicates a highly variable and dynamic landscape dominated by tundra shrubland. On the other hand, deciduous trees or shrubs did not contribute significantly to the soil organic matter in the late Weichselian loess layers and the intercalated Gelic Gleysols (~ 32–18 ka).

The Stari Slankamen loess-palaeosol section is located on the northeastern part of the Srem Loess Plateau (Vojvodina region, North Serbia). The c. 40-m thick cliff comprises loess intercalated with 9 major palaeo pedocomplexes and can be considered to be one of the most important Quaternary sections in the Carpathian (Panonnian) basin. Here we present new magnetostratigraphic and aminostratigraphic evidence that demonstrates the importance of the site in terms of its age and the long-term palaeoclimatic record it preserves. Directional palaeomagnetic data, obtained through alternating field demagnetization demonstrates the presence of reversed polarity below a profile depth of 36 m indicating a Matuyama chron age of this interval. This interpretation is confirmed by new high resolution palaeomagnetic investigations (434 oriented samples) from the lower part of the profile. The new magnetic susceptibility record and aminostratigraphy indicate a missing pedocomplex (V-S2), with an erosional unconformity represented by a distinct gravel layer. The combined new magnetostratigraphic and aminostratigraphic based age model requires a significant revision of hitherto published chronostratigraphic subdivisions at the site. The relative completeness and long time frame covered by the section is unusual in European loess sequences. Hence, the sequence could form the basis of a continental scale stratigraphic scheme that would alleviate much current chronostratigraphic uncertainty and enable more broad-scale climatic reconstructions. The section also provides a rare opportunity to investigate detailed and long-term climatic change over the Middle Pleistocene in a region influenced by air masses originating from high and middle latitudes, as well as the North Atlantic and Mediterranean. The changing relative importance of these air masses through time provides insight into local and regional atmospheric systems and their evolution through the last c.1 Ma. The section can thus be considered as one of the key climatic archives in the Europe.

Der mittelpleistozäne Vulkankomplex des Rodderbergs südlich von Bonn birgt vermutlich ein höchst wertvolles Klimaarchiv von regionaler und überregionaler Bedeutung. Er sitzt der aus dem älteren Mittelpleistozän stammenden „jüngeren Hauptterrasse“ des Rheins auf. Sein zentraler Krater stellt eine bis heute geschlossene Hohlform dar, die noch fast vollständig von einem Wall aus Schlacken und Tephren umgeben ist. Eine im Jahre 2000 im Krater durchgeführte 55 m tiefe Kernbohrung (Rodderberg 1) förderte fast durchgängig feinkörnige Sedimente zutage, die im oberen Teil als Lösse und Lössderivate, im unteren Teil als Seesedimente angesprochen werden. Eine vom Leibniz-Institut für Angewandte Geophysik (LIAG) im Jahre 2008 niedergebrachte 69 m tiefe Schneckenbohrung erreichte in ca. 65 m Tiefe interglaziale Torfe. Festgestein wurde bisher nicht erreicht. Eine weitere Forschungsbohrung des LIAG ist für 2011 geplant. Der vorliegende Beitrag resümiert die bisherigen Ergebnisse zur Eruptionsgeschichte des Rodderberges und zu den Untersuchungen am Kerninhalt der Bohrung Rodderberg 1, zeigt bestehende Probleme auf und versucht, Anregungen für die weiteren Untersuchungen an der geplanten neuen Forschungsbohrung sowie in ihrem Umfeld zu geben.

The original version of this article, unfortunately, contained error. Corresponding author name appeared in the article is “Prakrit Nopprakrit” instead of “Prakrit Noppradit”. Given in this article is the correct author name. The original article has been corrected.

Seit einigen Jahren gibt es zunehmend Studien, die, basierend auf der Untersuchung von fossilen Holzkohlen und Schneckenschalen aus Löss-Paläoboden Sequenzen, die traditionelle Vorstellung von weitestgehend baumlosen Steppen im Karpaten-Becken während der letzten Kaltzeit in Frage stellen. Mit unseren Arbeiten versuchen wir anhand von Biomarkern einen Beitrag zu dieser Diskussion zu leisten und herauszufinden, welches Potenzial in der Untersuchung von Alkan Biomarkern für die Rekonstruktion der Vegetationsgeschichte während der letzten glazialen Zyklen steckt. Kürzlich veröffentlichte erste Ergebnisse weisen darauf hin, dass der Degradationsgrad der pflanzenbürtigen organischen Substanz einen starken Einfluss auf das Alkanmuster in Böden hat und dass der in der Literatur häufig verwendete Alkanquotient nC31/nC27 kein reiner Vegetations-Proxy ist, sondern auch maßgeblich die unterschiedliche Degradation widerspiegelt. In der vorliegenden Arbeit führen wir daher erstmals einen End Member Modellierungsansatz ein, bei dem der Degradationsgrad der organischen Bodensubstanz mit berücksichtig wird. Das Modell wird auf die Loess-Paläoboden Sequenz Crvenka auf dem Bačka Loess Plateau (Serbien) zwischen Donau und Theiss angewendet. Die so für den letzten Interglazial-Glazial-Zyklus rekonstruierte Vegetationsgeschichte bestätigt die Holzkohle- und Mollusken-Befunde und deutet auf Gras-Steppen während des letzten Interglazials und -stadials hin (Marine Isotopenstadien (MIS) 5 bzw. 3). Die Ergebnisse machen deutlich, dass Steppen während des gesamten letzten glazialen Zyklus vorgeherrscht haben. Für das letzte Interglazial und das Interstadial der Marinen Isotopen Stufe (MIS) 3 deuten die Biomarker Befunde auf reine Grassteppen hin. Dagegen prägten in den Glazialen vermutlich auch vereinzelte Bäume das Landschaftsbild einer ‚Taiga-Steppe’. Die so rekonstruierte Vegetationsgeschichte steht im Einklang mit den Holzkohle- und Schneckenfunden, wie auch mit Ergebnissen von Klima- und Biom-Modellierungen.

Vulkanische Ereignisse des mittleren und oberen Quartär sind schwer zu datieren, insbesondere, wenn geeignete Minerale für eine 40Ar/39Ar-Datierung fehlen. Mit diesem Artikel werden erste Tests einer neuen Anwendungsmöglichkeit der TL-Datierung an Maar-Tephra und Xenolithen präsentiert, um derartige Eruptionsvorgänge zu datieren. Hierbei wird berücksichtigt, dass ein Rückstellen des latenten geologischen TL-Signals der Gesteinsfragmente während des Eruptionsvorganges eventuell nur unvollständig erfolgte. Aus diesem Grund wurde die „Partial heat- longest plateau-Technik (PHLP) entwickelt, um genau diesem Problem Rechnung zu tragen. Die neu entwickelte Technik kann helfen, eine Überschätzung von TL-Datierungen infolge der unvollständigen Rücksetzung des TL-Signals zu vermeiden. Dies wird für vulkanische Ablagerungen im Eifel-Vulkanfeld demonstriert, die eine Zeitspanne von 11 bis 300 ka umfassen. Obwohl das Problem starken anomalen Ausheilens des TL Signals vulkanischer Feldspäte und anderer vulkanischer Minerale umgangen wurde, existiert immer noch das Problem einer Unterschätzung geologischer Alter als Folge eines langfristigen anomalen Ausheilens im TL Signal. Die orange-roten TL-Emissionen (RTL) reiner feinkörniger Quarzproben aus Xenolithen wurden an zwei Proben getestet. Dieser Datierungsansatz verlangt jedoch noch weitere systematische Untersuchungen., research

On Lanzarote (Canary Islands) Quaternary Saharan dust and weathered local volcanic material were trapped in Miocence to Pliocene valleys dammed by younger volcanic edifices. These sediments show sequences of alternating reddish/clayey and loess-like yellowish/silty material. In order to investigate if reddish/clayey layers contain material derived from local pedogenesis and if so, which pedogenetic processes were active, we performed sedimentological, micromorphological and environmental magnetic analyses. The analyses demonstrate that these layers contain material derived from local soils. These soils were characterised by clay formation, rubefication and the formation of superparamagnetic particles during periods of enhanced soil moisture. Thus, they can serve as natural archives in order to reconstruct the terrestrial palaeoclimatic history of Lanzarote. The distribution of soil material in the profiles shows that cold periods of the Late Quaternary were characterised by more humid conditions than today. Using palaeontological remains and a comparison with recent soils on Tenerife, we can roughly estimate maximal palaeoprecipitation values during more humid periods.

Loess sequences in the Vojvodina region (Northern Serbia) reveal a continuous record of paleoclimatic variations during the Middle and Late Pleistocene. The most detailed stratigraphic information comes from remarkable exposures on the cliffs of the right Danube bank from Vukovar to Belgrade. The Batajnica loess section has been recognized as one of the most complete Middle and Late Pleistocene records in this region. A more than 40 m thick loess–paleosol succession represents environmental transition from relative thin loess layers and rubified soils in lower part of profile to thick loess and fossil chernozems characterizing the last three glacial–interglacial cycles. The proposed stratigraphic model is based on a detailed magnetic susceptibility (MS) record which is related to the deep-sea isotope stratigraphy and on correlation with other Eurasian loess records using the distinct MS pattern of selected loess–paleosol couplets. This new stratigraphic model suggests serious revision of previous chronological interpretations. MS as function of depth shows a well-known pattern of low values in loess and high values in paleosols indicating strong enhancement of magnetic minerals during soil formation. With the exception of the recent soil (V-S0) which is strongly contaminated by archaeological artifacts, the third paleosol V-S3 reveals the highest values in MS and a very distinct double peak. The rock magnetic signal at Batajnica resembles the typical pattern of the enviromagnetic records determined from other Eurasian loess sites. The paleopedological interpretations, rubification index values and rock magnetic record at Batajnica yield valuable data for the reconstruction of paleoclimatic fluctuations for the last 5 glacial–interglacial cycles at least. Moreover, the record provides an important link between the classical Central European loess sites and the Central Asian and Chinese loess provinces.

On Lanzarote (Canary Islands) Late Quaternary Saharan dust and volcanic material were trapped in Miocence to Pliocene valleys dammed by volcanic lava flows. These trapped sediments are potentially interesting as they can be natural archives useful to reconstruct the terrestrial palaeoclimate history of the NW African margin. Nevertheless, slope wash processes altered the primarily eolian deposits, making climatic interpretation not straightforward. Geomorphological mapping, GIS calculations and sedimentological investigations were used to unravel these processes influencing the temporal resolution of the palaeoclimatic archive, demonstrating that they average the palaeoclimatic signal by some ka. Thus, despite the colluvial geomorphic environment, the valley fillings can be used for palaeoclimatic interpretation of events with a length of at least some ka. The youngest sediments, deposited since at least 2.5 ka, are anthropogenically triggered and thus cannot be used for palaeoclimatic interpretation. The results show that the input of Saharan dust at Lanzarote increased during the last 1.0 ka and especially during the Early/Middle Holocene.

The loess–paleosol sections Batajnica/Stari Slankamen (Serbia), Mircea Voda (Romania) and Stary Kaydaky (Ukraine) are presently located in areas of different types of steppe, and are highly sensitive for recording climatic changes. A stratigraphy for these three Southeastern/Eastern European sections is presented, based on pedostratigraphy and correlation of recently obtained susceptibility records with susceptibility data of other sections of the area (Koriten, Mostistea, Vyazivok), of the Chinese Loess Plateau and with the benthic δ18O record of ODP 677. Six pedocomplexes were studied at the Serbian and Romanian sections and five at the Ukrainian section. The oldest are related to Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 17 (Batajnica/Stari Slankamen and Mircea Voda) and MIS 13–15 (Stary Kaydaky). Some points concerning the existing loess chronostratigraphies of Bulgaria, Ukraine and China are discussed. Comparative study of the profiles allows the tracing of paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental changes in Southeastern/Eastern Europe in time and space. Reconstruction of paleoprecipitation based on susceptibility–rainfall relationships, and calculations of sedimentation rates are evaluated.

The loess/paleosol sections of Batajnica/Stari Slankamen (Serbia), Mircea Voda (Romania) and Stary Kaydaky (Ukraine) were geochemically characterized based on discriminant analysis of major and trace elements, the ratios of Al/Ti, Fe/Ti and Al/Fe, the A-CN-K ternary plot and element enrichment/depletion relative to the average composition of the upper continental crust. The origin of the loess material in the southern Pannonian Basin (Vojvodina), the lower Danube Basin/Dobrudja and the Dnieper area was evaluated by comparison with the representative element composition of possible source areas and by considering the geomorphodynamic setting. Also the background values of the initial magnetic susceptibility of the loesses were taken into account. For the lower Danube Basin, Dobrudja and the Ukraine, paleowind direction was reconstructed based on the geographic distribution of sandy soil texture and dunes related to river systems. Finally, loesses were evaluated as possible samples of the average upper continental crust. Our results show that Danube and Dnieper loess areas can be clearly distinguished. The former reveal higher Al and Fe contents, the latter higher Si, Zr, Hf content and indications of effective mineral and grain size sorting. We can confirm that Vojvodina loess originated from Danube alluvial material and loess of the Dnieper area from glaciofluvial sediments of the Fennoscandinavian ice sheet. The Dobrudja loess derived also predominantly from Danube alluvium, but shows significant contribution of a second loess source, probably the glaciofluvial sediments of the Ukraine. This was forced by northerly katabatic winds from the Fennoscandinavian ice sheet, whereas WNW winds prevailed in the Western Walachian plain. The studied loesses reflect the average composition of the upper continental crust. Yet, biases exist due to selective mineral/element enrichment and depletion in the course of previous sedimentary recycling phases, respectively. Material of all studied loess deposits seems to derive originally from sedimentary rocks.

The purpose of the present work is to examine the effect of heating (up to 500 °C) on the shape of a growth curve for optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) of quartz extracted from Chinese loess. For OSL of natural quartz grains, the growth curve constructed using a single aliquot regenerative-dose (SAR) protocol has a linear growth part in the high dose range of > 200 Gy , which may allow the determination of a D e to > 400 Gy and also implies that the OSL has contribution from more than a single trap/luminescence combination centre. When quartz grains are heated to a temperature of > 360 ∘ C , the shape of a growth curve will change, and the saturation level of a growth curve is decreasing systematically. The significant difference in the growth curve shape before and after heating to > 370 ∘ C might be used as an indicator to detect the thermal history, i.e. whether the quartz grains had undergone a heating event of > 370 ∘ C before deposition. This has potential application for archaeological samples. The effect of heating on OSL sensitivity is also examined.

Recent publications revealed different opinions regarding the existence of a common growth curve (CGC) for OSL of quartz. In the current study, 18 loess samples were collected from four continents (Asia, America, Africa, and Europe) in order to further examine this issue. Except the three samples from Chile in South America, 15 samples display similar dose–response curves up to a regeneration dose of 200 Gy using the SAR protocol, suggesting the existence of a global CGC for loess from different continents. For samples with equivalent doses ( D e ) from ∼ 10 to ∼ 170 Gy , the D e s determined by the CGC are in good agreement with the D e s by the SAR protocol. The Chilean samples posses a growth curve that differs from the CGC, showing much lower saturation doses. We suggest that it may be due to contamination with heavy minerals.

Thermoluminescence (TL) dating is a valuable tool for chronometric dating of heated minerals and has been shown to agree very well with independent age control. Comparison with argon dating of samples from identical events, however, revealed age underestimations of volcanic eruptions dated by orange-red TL (R-TL) of quartz extracts from some xenolith samples, while good agreement was obtained for others. The underestimation is attributed to an apparent signal loss (“anomalous fading”) which was experimentally observed for some, but not all samples investigated. The presence of significant amounts of feldspar or tridymite, which could be related to the observations, is excluded by IRSL (Infrared Stimulated Luminescence) and XRD analysis. While the data is not entirely conclusive, it leads to the current working hypothesis that exposure to high temperatures might be responsible for an effect similar to the anomalous fading phenomena observed for some feldspar luminescence. It therefore appears to be prudent not to sample xenoliths from high temperature context, like basalt dykes in volcanic context.

There are several competing hypotheses for theorigin of loess in Europe but quantitative evidence is stillrare. Here, Sr-Nd isotopic and bulk elemental compositionof loess from Marine Isotope Stages 2 and 3 fromthree study regions in Central Europe – Nussloch (Germany),Grub (Austria) and Tokaj (Hungary) - are analyzed.This study aims at examining differences and similaritiesof loess deposits throughout Europe, correlating loesswith potential source rocks from major mountain rangesand comparing loess with floodplain sediments from mainrivers as integrated samples of the drainage areas. The resultsshow that European loess deposits are largely uniformand that sediment sources have been rather stablein the Southern and Eastern parts of Central Europeand more variable in West Central Europe. However, themethods used are not sufficient to unequivocally confirmand reject potential sediment sources but, in combination,help to identify the most likely sediment origins. While adirect correlation of loess and potential source rocks is dif-ficult, the comparison with floodplain sediments is mostpromising and confirms previous hypotheses. Loess fromTokaj and Grub is most likely a mix of material transportedby the Danube River and sediments from the surroundingmountains. Rhine River sediments are probably the mainsource of loess at Nussloch.

Similar to the Chinese loess, the loess deposits surrounding the high mountain regions of Central Asia play an important role in understanding the climate and environmental change during the Pleistocene in Eurasia. Despite their thickness and widespread distribution, the loess deposits in southeast Kazakhstan have so far not been investigated in detail. The Remisowka loess–palaeosol sequence is located in the vicinity of the North Tien Shan Mountains at an altitude of 1070 m above sea level. In the profile under study nine loess layers were distinguished, intercalated by eight pedocomplexes and so indicating a similar cyclicity like the loess–palaeosol sequences in Central Asia and China. At the Remisowka section, 12 loess samples were taken to set up a more reliable chronological model for the section, using a luminescence dating approach. Polymineral fine grains were investigated by infrared optically stimulated luminescence applying the multiple aliquot additive dose protocol. Preliminary fading experiments were carried out for one sample taken from the uppermost loess layer. While the results of the uppermost layer are in agreement with geological age estimates and indicate a correlation to the Late Glacial, age underestimation is very likely for the samples below the first weak palaeosol. No significant age increase with depth was recognised. The reason for this age underestimation is not yet fully understood but could be related to anomalous fading. Further methodological approaches are necessary as well as a combination of different chronometric techniques for improvement of the results.

Three loess units and two palaeopedological layers are preserved m the nearly 8 meter thick Miseluk exposure, Vojvodina, Serbia. Amino acid geochronology provides stratigraphie correlations between loess units LI and L2 at Miseluk with loess of glacial cycles B, and C, from other central European localities. Magnetic susceptibility and sedimentological evidence indicate several episodes of cold-dry and warm-wet palaeochmatic conditions during the last ca 150 ka. Malacofauna investigations at Miseluk demonstrate significant similarities to the Paleopreilynan fauna of the south Transdanubia region in Hungary, which suggests a réfugial character during periods of loess accumulation., Trois unités loessiques entrecoupées par deux complexes de sols sont décrites dans une coupe de loess d'environ 8 m localisée a Miseluk (Vojvodine, Serbie). Les données géochronologiques issues des mesures de racémisation des acides aminés des coquilles de mollusques permettent de proposer des corrélations entre les unités loessiques Ll et L2 de Miseluk et les loess des deux derniers cycles glaciaires (B et C) des autres séquences d'Europe centrale. Les résultats des analyses sédimentologiques et des mesures de susceptibilité magnétique débouchent sur la mise en évidence de plusieurs épisodes froids et secs alternant avec des périodes plus chaudes et plus humides au cours des derniers 150 000 ans. L'étude malacologique montre par ailleurs des similitudes importantes entre les faunes de Miseluk et celles du sud de la Transdanubie en Hongrie ("Paleopreilynan fauna"), suggérant que la région de Miseluk constituait une zone refuge au cours des périodes de sédimentation loessique., Markovic Slobodan B., Oches Eric A., Gaudenyi Tivadar, Jovanovic Mladjen, Hambach Ulrich, Zöller Ludwig, Sümegi Pal. Palaeoclimate record in the Late Pleistocene loess-paleosol sequence at Miseluk (Vojvodina, Serbia) [ Le cycle climatique du Pléistocène supérieur dans la séquence loessique de Miseluk (Vojvodina, Serbie).]. In: Quaternaire, vol. 15, n°4, 2004. pp. 361-368.

Two desert loess–paleosol sequences in sediment traps were investigated using (pedo-) stratigraphy, sedimentology, soil mineralogy and IRSL dating. So far we cannot recognise significant IRSL age-underestimates from the polymineral fine-grain fraction of our samples. We establish a first palaeoclimatic sequence spanning the past ca 200 ka which can be compared to data from other Canary Islands and surrounding areas, including terrestrial and deep sea records. More humid phases on Lanzarote are apparently triggered by Milankovich forcing, but the climate remained semi-arid to arid all over the past 200 ka. The onset of human occupation of the island during a slightly moister period is bracketed between 5 and 10 ka, based on the occurrence of archaeosediments containing bones of ovicaprid. This is the first proof of much earlier occupation than witnessed so far from archaeological records. The early subsidiary economy had a strong impact on soil stability and landscape shaping of the island.