Quaternary stratigraphy of Norden, a proposal for terminology and classification

TLDR

Quaternary classification relies on lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, morphostratigraphy, climatostratigraphy, and chronostratigraphy, with the Quaternary divided into the Pleistocene and Holocene Series. The study proposes a unified chronostratigraphical classification of the Quaternary for Norden and parts of continental NW Europe. The authors subdivide the Pleistocene into provisional stages such as Weichselian and Eemian based on glacials/interglacials and stratotype boundaries, and further divide the Late Weichselian and Flandrian (Holocene) into chronozones (Bolling, Older Dryas, Allerød, Younger Dryas, Preboreal, Boreal, Atlantic, Subboreal, Subatlantic) defined by conventional radiocarbon years. They conclude with a proposed common chronostratigraphical classification for the Quaternary in Norden and parts of continental NW Europe.

Abstract

Principles and terminology for classification of the Quaternary are discussed, including lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy. morphostratigraphy, climatostratigraphy and chronostratigraphy. The main conclusion is a proposal for a common chronostratigraphical classification of the Quaternary in Norden (and partly continental NW Europe). The Quaternary is subdivided into the Pleistocene and the Holocene Series. The Pleistocene is further subdivided into several provisional stages (Weichselian, Eemian, etc. ), based on the sequence of glacials/interglacials. but with the boundaries preferably defined by stratotypes. The Late Weichselian and the Flandrian (Holocene) are subdivided into chronozoncs (Bolling, Older Dryas, Allerød, Younger Dryas, Preboreal, Boreal, Atlantic, Subboreal, Subatlantic) with the boundaries dcfined in conventional radiocarbon years.