Loess distribution and related Quaternary sediments in the Carpathian Basin
Abstract
Loess is a widely distributed terrestrial sediment covering approximately 10% of the Earth’s surface. As such, it records paleoclimatological changes and is frequently investigated. For studies of the past environment, geomorphology, ecology and climate in regions where loess and other eolian sediments occur, it is essential to know their distribution. The distribution of sediments can be visualized and shared in maps, but often the maps are restrained in their resolution or extent. The Carpathian (Middle Danube) Basin in central-eastern and southeastern Europe is covered by vast accumulations of loess, loess-like sediments, and fluvial sediments, but cross-border maps are scarce. The existing maps are neither detailed enough nor have the desired extend for various research questions, and problems occur especially along political borders. This is due to the usage of different geological mapping standards and varying lithological definitions. To overcome these issues, we compiled a new map showing the distribution of loess and related sediments in the Carpathian Basin by means of a Geographic Information System (GIS). Existing data from geological and soil maps was vectorized, analyzed, combined and transferred into a unified classification system. The map shows the distribution of eolian sediments in the Carpathian Basin at a scale of ~1:1,500,000 and distinguishes between the following classes: loess, alluvial loess, loess derivates, eolian sands & sandy loess, and alluvial fill & upper/lower terrace. The latter one combines Holocene alluvial sediments with (presumably loess covered) Late Pleistocene terraces to get an impression of past braided-river systems as an approach to indicate local paleo dust sources.
Bibliography
Bösken, J., Lehmkuhl, F., Hošek, J., Sprafke, T., Marković, S., Obreht, I., Hambach, U., Sümegi, P., Thiemann, A., Steffens, S., Lindner, H., Veres, D., Zeeden, C. (2018): Loess distribution and related Quaternary sediments in the Carpathian Basin. Central European Conference on Geomorphology and Quaternary Sciences, 23.-27.09.2018, Gießen, Germany
| address | Gießen, Germany |
|---|---|
| author | Bösken, Janina and Lehmkuhl, Frank and Hošek, Jan and Sprafke, Tobias and Marković, Slobodan B. and Obreht, Igor and Hambach, Ulrich and Sümegi, Pál and Thiemann, Arne and Steffens, Stefanie and Lindner, Heiko and Veres, Daniel and Zeeden, Christian |
| key | JaninaBösken2018 |
| organization | Central European Conference on Geomorphology and Quaternary Sciences, 23.-27.09.2018 |
| type | poster |
| year | 2018 |