A contribution to the understanding of late Pleistocene dune sand-paleosol-sequences in Fuerteventura (Canary Islands)

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Dominik Faust - , Chair of Physical Geography (Author)
  • Yurena Yanes - , University of Cincinnati (Author)
  • Tobias Willkommen - , TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Christopher Roettig - , Chair of Physical Geography (Author)
  • Daniel Richter - , University of Bayreuth, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (Author)
  • David Richter - , TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Hans v. Suchodoletz - , Leipzig University (Author)
  • Ludwig Zöller - , University of Bayreuth (Author)

Abstract

This paper describes dune sand-paleosol-sequences of four pits in Northern Fuerteventura (Canary Islands). The elaborated stratigraphy is reinforced with luminescence dating to provide a first chronological estimation. Apart from a Holocene colluvial layer, the sequence spans the period from ca. 50. ka to ca. 280. ka. Paleosols were formed during glacial times and point to a standstill in sand supply. The isotopic composition of terrestrial gastropod shells retrieved from soil horizons reflects fluctuations in humidity conditions during different edaphic phases. Because eolian sands were deposited during glacial times as well, it is inferred that soil development was simply caused by a decrease in sand supply independent of climate change. Our geomorphic, geochronological and isotopic results are discussed considering different perspectives of dune sand-paleosol intercalation and more broadly, soil-forming conditions in general.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)290-304
Number of pages15
JournalGeomorphology
Volume246
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2015
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Chronostratigraphy, Eolian deposits, Fuerteventura, Morphodynamics, Paleoclimate