Paweł Zieliński

Climate evolution during the Pleniglacial and Late Glacial as recorded in quartz grain morphoscopy of fluvial to aeolian successions of the European Sand Belt

Abstract 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.

Stratigraphic position of fluvial and aeolian deposits in the Żabinko site (W Poland) based on TL dating

The known from literature Żabinko site is situated in the Warta Pradolina, within the dune field occurring on the bifurcation terrace. In the site we found fluvial, fluvio-aeolian and aeolian deposits, paleosols, and organic infillings of the inactive river channels. The purpose of the study was to determine stratigraphic position of the deposit units distinguished on the basis of lithofacial analysis, pedological description and thermoluminescence dating. The obtained results well correspond to the previously published ones, and new units were also found.

Depositional conditions on an alluvial fan at the turn of the Weichselian to the Holocene – a case study in the Żmigród Basin, southwest Poland

Abstract 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.

Chronology of Aeolian Events Recorded in the Karczmiska Dune (Lublin Upland) in the Light of Lithofacial Analysis, 14C and TL Dating

Chronology of Aeolian Events Recorded in the Karczmiska Dune (Lublin Upland) in the Light of Lithofacial Analysis, 14C and TL Dating The article studies an average-size parabolic dune located in the northern part of the Chodel Basin, Lublin Upland, Poland within the extensive dune field which covers the contact area of the loess patch slope and the high sandy terrace. Its complex structure and the presence of terrace sand and loess in the floor inspired the authors to conduct detailed lithological studies, as well as TL and 14C dating. As a result, it was possible to determine the mechanism and age of aeolian accumulation cycles in the dune, which contains very good representative evidence of aeolian events in the Lublin Upland.

Unique Features of Interglacial Deposits (MIS 11, Eastern Poland): Comparison of Palaeobotanical and Geological Data

This paper describes a unique succession of alluvial deposits from the Holsteinian Interglacial in eastern Poland. The succession was studied in terms of sedimentology, palaeobotany, and thermoluminescence (TL) geochronology. The interglacial alluvial succession includes two facies of a meandering river: point bar and oxbow. TL ages of point bar deposits and palaeobotanical analysis of oxbow lake deposits allow us to associate the deposits with the initial phases (preoptimum period) of the Holsteinian Interglacial. Specific palaeoenvironmental conditions did not favour the formation of a complete interglacial biogenic–clastic succession as it was deposited in the shallow oxbow lake, which underwent rapid eutrophication.