Loess and other Quaternary sediments in Germany

Abstract

Geo- and palaeoecological studies focusing on the late Pleistocene require a detailed knowledge of the spatial distribution of aeolian sediments. In Germany, existing maps are either on large scales, have a regional focus or show significant inaccuracies such as artificial boundaries within different geological units. To obtain a more detailed, seamless map of the distribution of aeolian sediments and their potential source areas, we combined and reanalysed available geodata, using a Geographical Information System. The resultant maps (scale: approx. 1:2,600,000) show the link between source areas and the late Quaternary aeolian deposits in Germany and can provide one context for further work on, e.g. palaeogeographical studies. This work was compared with other already published datasets and the problems of sediment mapping at a small scale were discussed.