Timing of environmental changes of the Weichselian decline (18.0–11.5 ka cal BP) using frequency distribution of 14C dates for the Łódź region, Central Poland

Abstract

In the study, a statistical approach for environmental reconstruction has been undertaken. Based on the set of radiocarbon dates from the old-morainic area of Central Poland (the Łódź region), the probability density function (PDF) was constructed. The shape of the PDF reflects an alternation of warmer and cooler phases and casts light on the duration and pace of changes in the environment of the Weichselian decline (18.0–11.5 ka cal BP). By comparing the peaks and falls of the PDF with the results of comprehensive palaeogeographical investigations of the area of the analysed time interval, three-phase development of the Łódź region has been distinguished: 1st stage – older than ca. 14.2 ka cal BP, 2nd stage – from ca. 14.2 to ca. 12.6 ka cal BP and 3rd stage – from ca. 12.6 ka cal BP. A contribution to the knowledge of the palaeogeography of the region is the recognition in the record of the cold inter-Allerød period and the confirmation of a warming in the region at ca. 18 ka cal BP.