Multi-proxy analysis of two loess-paleosol sequences in southern Germany

Since paleoenvironmental research on terrestrial archives is crucial for understanding past climatic and environmental conditions, the profiles were studied using a multi-proxy approach. Applied methods include the analyses of grain-size distribution, element concentrations, color data, and rock magnetism.

The data reveal that the two profiles show large variations in conservation due to their different geomorphologic positions. Moreover, the results imply a subarctic climate with stable conditions during the Middle Pleniglacial (MIS 3) in-situ soil formation phase. At the same time, the Lower Pleniglacial (MIS 4) was characterized by erosion and reworking of Eemian and Early Glacial (MIS 5) material but also by the accumulation of aeolian material during the late Lower Pleniglacial (MIS 4) in Frankenbach.