Characterization of Paleosolis by Multiparameter Analysis

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/msri/032a03

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In the course of systematic investigations of Austrian loess deposits multiparameter analysis of a loess profile at Stiefern, Lower Austria, has been performed. The concentration of Mn, Na, K, U, Th and the magnetic susceptibility of a sequence of 44 sediment samples from the whole profile have been determined by applying physical methods. This data set was combined with the results from standard sedimentological techniques and correlation analysis of these data records were performed. High correlations of the Mn-content, the magnetic susceptibility and the clay to silt ratios reflect the effects of weathering processes. It could be demonstrated that the parameters analyzed are useful for a detailed classification of the weathering degree of pedogenic horizons. The anti correlation of the sodium content with the clay to sand ratio and with the silt concentration and its positive correlation with the sand content is interpreted as an indication for the different sources of the sand and the silt fraction of the sediment samples. The improved classification of the pedogenic horizons in the Stieferm profile by employing the results of the correlation analysis containing quantitative paleoclimatic information is discussed.

Paleosoils; multiparameter analysis