Late Devensian river and floodplain dynamics and related environmental change in northwest Europe, with particular reference to a site at Woolhampton, Berkshire, England

摘要: Marked fluctuations in Late-glacial climate are correlated with significant changes river behaviour and floodplain environment across much of northwest Europe. Evidence from a new site the Kennet Valley provides rare comprehensive picture varying fluvial regime local vegetation during this interval. Chronological control for is provided by biostratigraphical morphostratigraphical correlations other sites region, radiocarbon dating carefully selected material. Preservation sedimentary sequence was facilitated its occurrence within large depression underlying bedrock. The origin uncertain, perhaps reflecting subsidence or scour. Following Last Glacial Maximum, nival braided dominated floods deposited sandy gravels under stadial conditions. A channel infilled fine sediments latter part Windermere Interstadial indicates fall flow competence at time increased vegetation, most notably appearance tree birch. Variations suggest environment, complex dynamics possibly forcing. During Loch Lomond/Younger Dryas Stadial, nival, re-established, accompanied disappearance