Loess is [almost totally formed by] the accumulation of dust

Abstract

In 1990 Marton Pecsi published a paper entitled ‘Loess is not just the accumulation of dust’. This 1990 paper presented the case for considering aspects of loess formation other than the aeolian deposition of silty material. Pecsi argued that there is more to loess formation than simply the fact of aeolian deposition. While not disputing the validity of much of Pecsi’s arguments a case can be made for considering that aeolian deposition is at the very heart of loess formation, that the factor of aeolian deposition is so critical that other aspects are relatively unimportant. Pecsi appeared to suggest that aeolian deposition is just one of many factors relating to the formation of loess deposits; this is not so aeolian deposition and the consequent formation of metastable structures is absolutely central. But, it is probably useful to consider the ‘aeolian deposition is absolutely critical’ approach and the ‘aeolian deposition is one of the factors’ approach in some more detail, and in relation to each other. Some insights may accrue; interesting things do happen after the deposition of the dust and this needs to be acknowledged.