Quaternary Processes and Environments in the upper Thames Valley

摘要: In recent years, several new sites have been discovered in the upper Thames valley which enable Quaternary history of area to be reconsidered a detail not attempted since early work Sandford. These provided evidence nature environment during both glacial and inter-glacial stages middle Pleistocene. Studies are still continuing, but sufficient information has obtained present review advances, outline some hypotheses developed about processes environments area. This paper argues that terrace deposits largely product aggradation cold stages. Analyses sediments non-marine Mollusca Flood-plain Terrace, mid- late-Devensian age, used as an example illustrate associated with formation. Inter-glacial phases seem characterized by deposition meandering channel systems. markedly different molluscan fauna reflect more stable hydrological conditions, shown channel-fills at Sugworth Linch Hill. many ways one most interesting implications these interpretations is question how when fluvial systems changed from braided forms typical periods. Preliminary for adjustments presented.