Abstract
Abstract. Two loess sections from the Upper Palaeolithic site of Kammern-Grubgraben (Lower Austria) were analysed to test geochemical proxies, as well as radiocarbon data of different components, for their reliability and consistency in an archaeological context. Only a reliable basal age (28.9–27.8 ka cal BP) was obtained from charcoal fragments derived from a tundra gley underlying the archaeological horizons and assigned to Greenland Interstadials 3 or 4. Grain size, organic and inorganic geochemistry, and stable isotopes of the fine organic fraction (δ13Corg) and of rhizoconcretions (δ13C, δ18O) were analysed to provide information on palaeoenvironmental conditions. Low-resolution geochemical and sedimentological analyses document a humidity-related variability, while δ13Corg values indicate predominant C3 vegetation. High-resolution elemental variations derived from X-ray fluorescence scanning exhibit increasing Ca and decreasing Fe and Ti values, indicating drier conditions towards the top. Secondary pedogenic carbonate concretions provide post-sedimentary (Holocene) ages and are not suitable for assessing climate and environmental changes for the Palaeolithic.
Highlights
During the last glacial, extensive loess deposits accumulated in central Europe between the Fennoscandian Ice Shield and Alpine glaciers (Smalley et al, 2011; Sprafke, 2016; Lehmkuhl et al, 2021)
Based on sedimentary features like colour, amount of carbonate concretions, rooting, and aggregate texture, the sections were subdivided into different units separated by archaeological horizons and the basal tundra gley
archaeological horizons (AHs) 2 contains the highest amount of secondary carbonates (CRC and HC) in KG-5756/57
Summary
Extensive loess deposits accumulated in central Europe between the Fennoscandian Ice Shield and Alpine glaciers (Smalley et al, 2011; Sprafke, 2016; Lehmkuhl et al, 2021). Loess sediments are deposited in valleys, in sedimentary basins of low mountain ranges, and along large rivers. Both the distance to the source area of aeolian dust and the local geomorphology have influenced the thickness of loess deposits (Lehmkuhl et al, 2016). Different sedimentological or pedological proxies are used for reconstructions of dust accumulation rates, soil formation, weathering, wind intensity, and palaeovegetation (Zech et al, 2007; Gocke et al, 2014)
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