Paleogeographic provinces of the periglacial loess association in the middle Volga basin

Abstract

Specific features of the formation and distribution of periglacial loess association in the Volga region are discussed. Based on generalization of the results of the systematic paleogeographic analysis, the paper presents a comprehensive characteristic of the polygenetic and polychronous loess rocks. The results show regional specifics in the structure and composition of loess rock horizons confined to different-aged paleogeographic zones of the Russian Plain. Provincial discrepancies in the distribution and thickness of loess rocks are demonstrated in the summary map. Comparison of the complex characteristics of the loess rocks provides insight into the general trend of spatiotemporal variability of their structure and composition. Latitudinal zonation is manifested in the thickening of loess rock sequences along the distal direction of the paleoglacial zone (on the average, from 1.3 m to 5–10 m or more) and is usually accompanied by increase in contents of the silty material and carbonates and degree of sagging. Moreover, the stratigraphic structure of sections becomes more complicated with increase of the age interval of loess–soil series. The spatiotemporal trends, which are revealed in the development and periodicity of loess formation, have a great significance for the reconstruction of paleogeographic events in the Neopleistocene.