Evidence for an alternative concept of the Finow soil formation

摘要: Abstract Paleosols can widely be used as chronometric markers, and the so-called Finow soil is reported to a supraregional marker in sandy deposits northern central Europe Siberia. The thought associated with pedogenesis between Allerod Younger Dryas subsequent fossilization by eolian activity. formation of 5- 15-cm-thick brownish soils often explained brunification some minor illuviation clay. Although has been described at several distant sites, lack an entire sequence consisting topsoil subsoil recently raised doubts about soil. We present micromorphological approach together grain size analysis from two sites northeastern Germany (Glashutte Janschwalde Brandenburg) one site Poland (Bledno) where purported have were dated earlier studies investigate processes that led Our findings show three studied are characterized clay migration, rather than brunification, situated below well-drained hydrological barriers. Whereas Glashutte, organic matter Usselo acts barrier, Bledno, changes granulometry presumably act barrier. At Janschwalde, illuvial horizon least developed eluvial depth only 40 cm, but 330-cm-thick deposit shows extensive features illuviation. Hence, we propose thickness strongly influences degree Further, due character substrates, limited supply for migration being time limited. Therefore, indicative neither suggested pre-Holocene development nor horizons supposedly truncated late Quaternary erosion or landscape Indeed, causes visually accentuate sedimentological changes, because post-sedimentary process, potential specific. conclude use pedostratigraphic should avoided.