Paleo-pedological record of the Rocourt Pedosequence at Veldwezelt–Hezerwater (Belgian Pleistocene loess belt): Part 1 — Evolution of the parent material

摘要: As the environment influences soil formation, loess–paleosols are important archives of former climatic conditions. However, this record is highly complex and all features need to be evaluated in order obtain consistent information on formation. This study revises pedological Rocourt-paleosol complex, an pedo-stratigraphic marker for Eemian Early Weichselian, at exceptionally well-preserved in-situ sequence (Veldwezelt–Hezerwater, Belgian loess belt). Contrasting hypotheses exist considering evolution parent material after deposition Saalian importance aggrading aeolian deposition. In study, morphological depth functions X-ray diffraction, grain-size distribution, CEC, base saturation, total Fe, Al, K, Na Ca content, pH electrical conductivity were established reconstruct dynamics, weathering carbonate content material. Texture analysis confirms petrostratigraphic homogeneity suggests that it developed under a regime fluctuating rates primary dust intermixed with periods (fluvial) reworking dust. Strong was identified lower stratigraphic unit, supporting general consensus formed during loess. Less present confirm origin upper, less illuvial units, which may have by welding or pedogenesis locally redistributed The overlying A-horizons clearly weathered, evidence early recalcification indicates unweathered, calcareous sediments gained formation these horizons.