The Pleistocene of Denmark: A review of stratigraphy and glaciation history

Abstract

Abstract Climatically dependent environmental changes and the advance and retreat of glaciers have controlled the development of sedimentary successions in Denmark during the Middle and Late Pleistocene. Over the last four glacial-interglacial cycles radical alternations of marine and terrestrial environments, combined with eustatic and isostatic response to glaciation, has lead to the following geological history. The first Quaternary glaciation reached the country during the Menapien or the early Cromerian. The Cromerian II interglacial is represented by single finds of lacustrine deposits. During the Elsterian glaciation three major glacial advances from different parts of Scandinavia are recognized. By the end of the Elsterian and during the Holsteinian interglacial infilling of incised valleys took place. In local lake basins, the Holsteinian is characterised by calcareous gyttja and diatomite with a flora characteristic of leached soils. The Drenthe phase of the Saalian glaciation began with an ice advance from southern Norway, it culminated with glaciation from Middle Sweden and terminated during the Warthe stadial with ice flow from the Baltic depression. During deglaciation, arctic to boreo-arctic marine conditions and tundra vegetation was restored. The Eemian interglacial includes high sea levels with boreo-lusitanian marine faunas and dense temperate forests. In the Early Weichselian shallow and boreal to boreo-arctic seas prevailed along with open forest and tundra vegetation. The Middle Weichselian began with arctic seas accompanied by ice rafting and followed by major glacier cover from the Baltic and possibly preceded by glaciation from southern Norway. Most of the remaining Middle Weichselian witnessed boreo-arctic conditions with ice rafting and the establishment of a shrub tundra vegetation. Glaciers calved in high arctic Kattegat and Skagerrak accompanied by surging glaciers in the Baltic. The Middle Weichselian ended with ameliorated interstadial environments. Shrub tundra and boreo-arctic seas prevailed. The Late Weichselian, Jylland stadial comprises complex conditions with several glacier advances and retreats. An ice stream from southern Norway was followed by glaciation from central Sweden during the maximum extension of Weichselian glaciers and the glaciations were terminated by ice streaming from the Baltic while arctic marine conditions were restored in Skagerrak and Kattegat.