Publication Date:
1995-09-01
Description:
As part of a regional investigation of the aminostratigraphy of central European loess deposits, we have sampled and analyzed the amino acid composition of fossil gastropod shells from stratotype loess profiles at Mende, Basaharc, and Paks, plus the profile at Süttö, in an effort to correlate independently loess-paleosol formations of the "Young Loess" of Hungary with loess units elsewhere in the region. The measured extent of isoleucine epimerization in fossil gastropod shells preserved in loess sediments was used to evaluate the relative ages of stratigraphic units and correlate between discontinuous exposures. Based on amino acid epimerization ratios, we propose a new chronology for the standard "Young Loess" profile of Hungary. Amino acid geochronological data suggest that paleosol complexes MF, BD1 + 2, and BA formed during interglaciations, rather than interstades. Correlations are suggested with PK 2 + 3 (last interglaciation), PK 4 (penultimate interglaciation), and PK 5, respectively, from previously described Czech and Slovak localities.
Print ISSN:
0033-5894
Electronic ISSN:
1096-0287
Topics:
Geography
,
Geosciences
