High-resolution record of the last Interglacial-glacial cycle in the Nussloch loess-palaeosol sequences, Upper Rhine Area, Germany

The Nussloch loess sequences were sampled at close intervals (10 cm) and do cumented in respect of their stratigraphy, palaeopedology, sedimentology, p alynology, malacology and geochemistry, and were dated using radiocarbon an d OSL methods. For each stratigraphic unit, the results of both the field s tudies and the analytical and geochronological data obtained cast light upo n the response of the loessic environment to global climatic variations dur ing the last cycle. The basal soil complex underwent a pedosedimentary evol ution similar to those of the bordering area (complex Luvisol/Greyzem/''ste ppe soil") which reflects the classic progression towards increased contine ntality of the environment between the end of the Eemian (5d) and the begin ning of the full glacial stage (Pleniglacial). The Lower Pleniglacial corre sponds to an initially very arid phase dominated by the accumulation of loe ss, Followed by the deposition of stratified niveo-eolian sands. The Middle Pleniglacial complex (ca. 55-30) is clearly characterised by the inhibited loessic sedimentation. It is primarily marked by two phases of stabilisati on recorded in the form of weathered horizons (Cambisols) which are separat ed by a rather thin layer corresponding to loessic sedimentation with tundr a gleys. This intermediate phase brings together organic silt deposits whic h record an interstadial dated at 32-33 ka C-14 BP. The thick loessic accum ulations of the Upper Pleniglacial(> 10 m), which clearly began to accumula te before the oxygen isotope stage (OIS) 3/2 boundary, show evidence of vul nerability to considerable fluctuations in response to variations in wind d ynamics and the intensity of deflation in the Rhine valley. Finally, a prop osed correlation of loess-palaeosol stratigraphies from Germany, Belgium an d France, spanning the entire last interglacial-glacial cycle, is presented . (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd and INQUA. All rights reserved.