Loess in the Vojvodina region (Northern Serbia): An essential link between European and Asian Pleistocene environments

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • S. B. Marković - , University of Novi Sad (Author)
  • U. Hambach - , University of Bayreuth (Author)
  • T. Stevens - , University of Novi Sad, Royal Holloway University of London (Author)
  • M. Jovanović - , University of Novi Sad (Author)
  • K. O'Hara-Dhand - , University of Leicester (Author)
  • B. Basarin - , University of Novi Sad (Author)
  • H. Lu - , Nanjing University (Author)
  • I. Smalley - , University of Leicester (Author)
  • B. Buggle - , University of Bayreuth (Author)
  • M. Zech - , Heisenberg Chair of Physical Geography with a Focus on Paleoenvironmental Research, University of Bayreuth (Author)
  • Z. Svirčev - , University of Novi Sad (Author)
  • P. Sümegi - , University of Szeged (Author)
  • N. Milojković - , University of Novi Sad (Author)
  • Ludwig Zöller - , University of Bayreuth (Author)

Abstract

Loess deposits in the Vojvodina region, northern Serbia, are among the oldest and most complete loess-paleosol sequences in Europe to date. These thick sequences contain a detailed paleoclimatic record from the late Early Pleistocene. Based on the correlation of detailed magnetic susceptibility (MS) records from Vojvodina with the Chinese loess record and deep-sea isotope stratigraphy we here reconfirm and expand on a stratigraphie model of the Vojvodinian loess-paleosol chronostratigraphic sequence following the Chinese loess stratigraphie system. Variations in MS, dust accumulation rates, and the intensity of pedogenesis demonstrate evidence for a Middle Pleistocene climatic and environmental transition. The onset of loess deposition in Vojvodina also indicates a direct link between dust generation in Europe and that in the interior of Eurasia since the Early Pleistocene. The youngest part of the Early Pleistocene and oldest part of the Middle Pleistocene is characterised by relatively uniform dust accumulation and soil formation rates as well as relatively high magnetic susceptibility values. In contrast, the last five interglacial-glacial cycles are characterised by sharp environmental differences between high dust accumulation rates during the glacials and low rates observed during soil development. The data presented in this study demonstrate the great potential of Voyjodina's loess archives for accurate reconstruction of continental Eurasian Pleistocene climatic and environmental evolution.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)173-188
Number of pages16
JournalGeologie en Mijnbouw/Netherlands Journal of Geosciences
Volume91
Issue number1-2
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2012
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • China, Climate, Eurasia, Loess, Magnetic susceptibility, Pleistocene, Serbia

Library keywords