Overview maps of Quaternary sediments and features in Austria and neighbouring countries

The aim in compiling the data was to provide an overview of the existing quaternary sediments and features in Austria. One focus was on the depiction of the four major ice ages (Günz, Mindel, Riss and Würm) and the associated glacial series (drumlins in the terminal moraine basin, terminal moraine ridges, glaciofluvial deposits in the foreland).

On closer inspection, the map shows areas where erosion or deposition predominate, allowing conclusions to be drawn about the tectonics during the Quaternary. The distribution of Pleistocene sediments (large piedmont glaciers in the Alpine foreland, loess distribution in non-glaciated areas, late-glacial stages of glacier retreat to higher areas) and Holocene sediments (inner-Alpine landslides, significantly lower distribution of recent river deposits due to increased sediment retention due to vegetation cover) also allows conclusions to be drawn about the palaeoclimate.