Infrared Optically Stimulated Luminescence Research Articles

Quaternary Deposits of the Pritaymyr Islands (the Kara Shelf)

Abstract —The rarely visited islands of the Kara Sea in its Pritaymyr zone have been studied during a geological survey on the scale 1:1,000,000. The Quaternary deposits of the islands are represented by the Middle Neopleistocene to Holocene marine, lacustrine-marsh, alluvial and slope sediments. New radiocarbon and uranium-thorium dating has been obtained for the Quaternary sediments, using organic remains (wood, peat, mollusk shells). For the first time, dating on sandy sediments was obtained for the islands, using the method of infrared optically stimulated luminescence (IR-OSL). The sediments of marine terraces are of the greatest distribution on the islands; these sediments can be correlated with the Karginsky (MIS 3) horizon, lacustrine-marsh sediments and deposits of the cover complex, containing flora remains, mainly the Holocene.

Infrared Stimulated Luminescence of Ce3+ Doped YAG Crystals.

In this study, the infrared optically stimulated luminescence (IRSL) of single crystals of Ce3+ doped yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) was investigated for the first time. It was found that infrared stimulation of these crystals, following previous exposure to beta radiation, produces a strong luminescence signal. The highest luminescence efficiency was exhibited by the YAG crystal with 0.1% of Ce. With this crystal, it was possible to measure as low doses as 0.1 mGy. Moreover, IRSL is mainly related to the TL peak at a relatively high temperature of c.a. 175 °C, which leads to quite good stability of the signal in time. These properties create good prospects for potential applications of YAG:Ce in dosimetric radiation measurements.

Palaeoenvironmental changes and their chronology during the latter half of MIS 5 on the south-eastern coast of the Gulf of Finland

This paper presents an overview of the results obtained by collaborative use of integrative multidisciplinary investigation of a highly unique geological section discovered in the south-eastern part of the Gulf of Finland. The main aim of this study is to identify the Late Pleistocene palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimatic changes in the study area during one of the most controversial periods in the Late Pleistocene history, which is the MIS 5. Our approach to achieving the goal is based on the investigation of feldspar-based infrared optically stimulated luminescence (IR-OSL) dated records of pollen-induced palaeoclimate and palaeoenvironmental proxies. Palynological analysis and IR-OSL dates of 29 samples for the first time produced a detailed, characterised and dated sequence of palynological zones M6 to M8 ranging from ca. 94 ka to ca. 70 ka and made it possible to determine the chronological sequence of climate changes in this interval. Representative pollen spectra from 69 samples provided convincing evidence of a warm interval of interglacial rank at least during the latter half of MIS 5. The data obtained in the present study from well-preserved deposits of the second half of MIS 5 provided a novel insight into the palaenvironmental conditions during this period. These results seem to contradict the widely held view according to which the last interglacial stage with the climate conditions similar or warmer than today corresponds to only a small part of marine isotope stage (MIS) 5 of the deep-sea stratigraphy, i.e. MISs 5e lasting ca. 11 ka, and the period from 100 ka to 80 ka is attributed to an Early Weichselian glaciation, which in Northern Eurasia reached its maximum at about 90 ka. However, the findings obtained during the present study are also convincingly confirmed by those of our previous long-term investigations of warm climate-related shell-bearing deposits of various origins from Northern Eurasia including climatically highly sensitive Eurasian Arctic palaeo-shelf area. These results indicated that the overwhelming majority of the warm climate-related dates (ca. 82%) is also concentrated in the latter half of MIS 5 in the time range between 110 ka and 70 ka.

New efficient OSL detectors based on the crystals of Ce3+ doped Gd3Al5−xGaxO12 mixed garnet

In this study, the infrared optically-stimulated luminescence (IR-OSL) of single crystals of Ce3+ doped Gd3(GaxAl5−x)O12 mixed garnet with Ga content x = 2.5, 2.7, 3 was investigated for the first time. It was demonstrated that infrared stimulation of these crystals previously exposed to beta radiation produces a strong luminescence signal comparable with conventional OSL phosphors. The intensity of the IR-OSL highly depends on Ga content, reaching maximum for x = 2.5. The IR-OSL decay curves are multicomponent, with predominant fast components with the decay time around 1 s. The relation between IR-OSL and thermoluminescence was also studied. It was found that the most intense fast components of IR-OSL decay are related to the low-temperature peaks in thermoluminescence glow curves occurring at the temperature range 78–96 °C. The observed high intensity of the IR-OSL signal creates perspectives for possible applications of Gd3(GaxAl5−x)O12 mixed garnet crystals for passive radiation measurements and dosimetry.

Timing and Sedimentary Record of Late Quaternary Fluvio-Aeolian Successions of the Tura-Pyshma Interfluve (SW Western Siberia, Russia)

The sedimentary record of aeolian deposits and geomorphic features of the aeolian landforms of Northern Eurasia contain important information that allows us to better understand the climate and environments of the Late Glacial and Early Holocene periods. At the same time, the degree of scientific knowledge about the timing of aeolian activity, as well as the landscapes that existed during these periods, differs significantly for different parts of this vast territory. Data on the sedimentological record and age estimations of aeolian phases are practically absent for the periglacial zone of Western Siberia, in contrast to that of Europe. This paper presents the first data on the Late Quaternary fluvio-aeolian environments of the southwestern part of Western Siberia, using two sections as examples. Our methods included field investigations, analysis of grain-size and chemical composition, quartz grain morphoscopy and infrared optically stimulated luminescence (IR-OSL) and AMS dating. The obtained results show that aeolian sands are common covering deposits within the study area. Two stages of aeolian activity were identified: the first during the Boreal period (9.2–10.2 ka BP), and the second during the Atlantic period, beginning near 7 ka BP.

Infrared optically stimulated luminescence of rare earth doped CaF2 and co-doped with Al or Li produced by combustion synthesis

The aim of this paper is to characterize the IRSL response of rare earth doped CaF2 and co-doped with Al or Li, produced by the solution combustion synthesis (SCS). The results showed a high intensity of the infrared optically stimulated luminescence (IRSL) response for the samples of CaF2 doped with Tb and co-doped with Li. For the samples of CaF2 doped with Ce and co-doped with Li present better IRSL response than the samples co-doped with Al. It was also observed that the samples of CaF2:Ce,Li present a high fading with 50% reduction of the IRSL signal in a period of 60 min. In case of the CaF2:Tb,Li there is no significant fading during this period. For clinical dosimetry the fast fading of the dosimeter is not adequate. However, this feature can be exploited for other applications such as tamper-proof passive systems that detect and timestamp the movement of undeclared nuclear materials, by the estimation of the OSL response of materials with different fading rates.

The Late Pleistocene palaeoenvironmental evolution in Northern Eurasia through the prism of the mollusc shell-based ESR dating evidence

Long-term investigations devoted mostly to the Eurasian Arctic sedimentary deposits have provided dated climatic sequence within the Late Pleistocene period. Most of the dates (ca. 315) were obtained by electron spin resonance (ESR) method on marine mollusc remains taken directly from transgressive marine sedimentary deposits. Here, it is shown that the climatic signature revealed in the studied sedimentary sequences can be compared by proxy- and chronologic correlation with the climatic signals recorded in different parts of the continent from deposits of marine, freshwater, and terrestrial origin. The resulting climate-chronostratigraphic record allow the last interglacial to be placed approximately between 145–140 ka and 70 ka with concentration of overwhelming majority of the warm climate-related dates (ca. 82%) in the second half of Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5 in the time range between 110 and 70 ka. This evidence coincides with integrative multidisciplinary results derived from the south-eastern coast of the Gulf of Finland. They show unambiguously that the second half of the MIS 5 sequence, at least between ca. 94 ka and 71 ka, reflects the fully interglacial character of the studied deposits. The climate-chronostratigraphic record within MIS 3 displays a sequence of three successive palaeoenvironmental events (59.0–52.0 ka, 47.5–40.0 ka and 32.4–24.8 ka), which are interpreted as the consequence of large-scale climate amelioration during which marine sedimentation occurred on palaeo-shelves what is now dry land. The consistency of the parallel comparative dating results obtained in this study by different methods, both the numerical and relative, exemplify the potential of palaeodosimetric dating methods mainly used in this study — mollusc shell-based electron spin resonance (ESR) and feldspar-based infrared optically stimulated luminescence (IR-OSL) — to chronologically organize the sequence of the Late Pleistocene palaeoenvironmental events, and to improve understanding of the palaeoenvironmental evolution during this period.

Coastal dune dynamics along the northern Curonian Spit, Lithuania: toward an integrated database

Sand dunes are the most prominent subjects of geological and geomorphological interest along the Curonian Spit – a mega-barrier that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. To date, an assessment of various parameters of migrating dunes along the spit has been based on comparative analysis of old maps or aerial and satellite images, as well as geodetic measurements. These investigations have allowed assessment of dune dynamics over a relatively short historical period (~1700s to present). The most recent detailed investigations of the Dead (Grey) Dunes along the Lithuanian part of the spit using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and magnetic susceptibility (MS) surveys, supported by a radiocarbon ( 14 C) chronological framework of palaeosols and infrared optically stimulated luminescence (IR-OSL) ages of sand horizons, have advanced our understanding of aeolian landscape evolution. The interpretation of dune activity and stability phases has been generally based on IR-OSL dating results of the sand layers located between radiocarbon-dated palaeosols. However, the influence of soil-forming processes on the IR-OSL dating results related to possible migration of natural radioactive isotopes via aeolian sand layers has not been previously considered. Hypotheses of dune reactivation and migration caused by abrupt regional climate shifts, catastrophic forest fires, anthropogenic influence, and more local forcings have been tested. An integrated approach to dune investigations has offered an estimate of the rates of sand accumulation and key phases of aeolian dynamics during both stormy and calm periods, as well as helped to extend the record of dune evolution to the mid-Holocene. The palaeoenvironmental and palaeodynamic reconstructions of the Dead Dunes suggest that this mid-Holocene phase of dune activity was of a local character and likely did not exceed several centuries.

Evolution of fluvial system during the Pleistocene warm stage (Marine Isotope Stage 7) – A case study from the Błądzikowo Formation, N Poland

This paper discusses successive changes in the evolution of the fluvial system observed throughout the Błądzikowo Formation at the Mrzezino key site in northern Poland. The study focuses on the development of fluvial sedimentation during Marine Isotope Stage 7. The sedimentary record of the Pleistocene at the study site shows a well-developed sequence that is over 30 m thick. The Błądzikowo Formation shows a quick evolution of the fluvial system from a high-energy sandy braided river, to a meandering sandy river and, finally, to a low-energy meandering/anastomosing river with significant suspension settling. This transition is explained as a decrease in flow energy, increase in aggradation ratio and expansion of accommodation space during deposition time. A change in the fluvial system has not been manifested in the variations of the plant cover. Palynological analysis indicates that climate conditions were generally stable, cool and humid (boreal). Sediment transport occurred towards the N-NW, through a valley with a NW-SE axis. Infrared optically stimulated luminescence (IR-OSL) dating shows the sequence formed from 225.6 ± 17.2 to 210.5 ± 16.6 ka. Well preserved fluvial cycles and 35 m of thickness suggest the intensive accumulation of the Błądzikowo Formation with decreasing ratio of lateral erosion. It suggests an increasing influence of base level rise on evolution of fluvial system, mostly during MIS 7.

Deposits of the Kazantsevo Transgression (MIS 5) in the Northern Yenisei Region

Dating of marine sediments and faunal remains they contain in stratotype and reference sections by the methods of infrared optically stimulated luminescence (IR-OSL) of K-feldspar, optically stimulated afterglow (OSA) of quartz, electron spin resonance (ESR), and 230Th/U provides new constraints on deposition in the Yenisei mouth during the Kazantsevo interglacial. The luminescence and U–Th ages in the 120–68 ka range and 93–70 ka ESR ages show that the deposition spanned the whole marine isotope stage (MIS) 5. The sediment structures and textures, grain sizes and mineralogy, and faunal records indicate tidal and shelf deposition environments. The sampled assemblages of marine mollusks comprise taxa that typically live in relatively shallow and warm water, as well as abundant subarctic and boreal species, including the Arctica islandica index species. The variations of faunal patterns, more likely, had facies rather than climatic controls, while the sediments were deposited during transgression, in a warm climate, when the area was ice-free.

Depositional environment and climate changes during the late Pleistocene as recorded by the Netiesos section in southern Lithuania

The Netiesos section in southern Lithuania exposes a late Pleistocene sedimentary sequence at a depth of between 17 and 4 m. An interdisciplinary study of the section investigated the environmental changes that occurred in the study area during the greater part of Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5. Geochemical, thermoluminescence, palaeontological (plant macro-remain, diatoms, fishbones) and magnetic susceptibility analyses were performed on numerous sediment samples. Chronological control of the sequence was provided by electron spin resonance (ESR), infrared optically stimulated luminescence (IR-OSL) and conventional radiocarbon dating methods. This interdisciplinary approach enabled the subdivision of the section into stratigraphic units reflecting environmental changes. According to chronological data, the development of the Netiesos palaeolake began at the end of the Medininkai (Saalian) glaciation, which is thought to correlate with MIS 6, and continued up to the thermophilous deciduous forests phase of the subsequent last interglacial of MIS 5. Sediments of the final phase of the interglacial are missing, as are the initial and final phases of the following early Nemunas (Weichselian) cooling (MIS 4). The palaeomagnetic Blake Event was recorded in the interglacial sediments. One of the richest palaeofloras in the East Baltic region was observed representing the second half of MIS 5. The implications of the results for the regional late Pleistocene climato-chronostratigraphy are discussed.

Cross-check of the dating results obtained by ESR and IR-OSL methods: Implication for the Pleistocene palaeoenvironmental reconstructions

The consistency of the dating results obtained by different methods, both absolute and relative, is investigated. The main absolute methods referred to in this article are the mollusc-based electron spin resonance (ESR) and feldspar-based infrared optically-stimulated luminescence (IR-OSL) dating methods used in the Research Laboratory for Quaternary Geochronology, Tallinn University of Technology. It was shown that the parallel comparative dating by these two methods yield, essentially, consistent results. U–Th age determinations were performed in some cases for better understanding of the uranium behaviour in the shells during their burial history. ESR and U–Th dating results obtained on one and the same shell-type, both marine and land snails, coincide well in the case if shells behaved as a close system during their burial history. It is also shown that the numerical dating results obtained on warm and cold climate-related deposits, correlate well with the corresponding palaeoclimate signals derived from continuous records of the climate and environmental evolution, constructed on the base of the most common of the relative dating methods used in Quaternary studies. Based on good consistency of the results obtained by all methods used in the present comparative study, we conclude that there is a good potential to improve our understanding of the middle to late Pleistocene palaeoenvironmental evolution in Northern Eurasia, with a special focus on the climatically highly sensitive Eurasian Arctic palaeo-shelf area.

Quaternary glaciations in the Verkhoyansk Mountains, Northeast Siberia

Geomorphological mapping revealed five terminal moraines in the central Verkhoyansk Mountains. The youngest terminal moraine (I) was formed at least 50 ka ago according to new IRSL (infrared optically stimulated luminescence) dates. Older terminal moraines in the western foreland of the mountains are much more extensive in size. Although the smallest of these older moraines, moraine II, has not been dated, moraine III is 80 to 90 ka, moraine IV is 100 to 120 ka, and the outermost moraine V was deposited around 135 ka. This glaciation history is comparable to that of the Barents and Kara ice sheet and partly to that of the Polar Ural Mountains regarding the timing of the glaciations. However, no glaciation occurred during the global last glacial maximum (MIS 2). Based on cirque orientation and different glacier extent on the eastern and western flanks of the Verkhoyansk Mountains, local glaciations are mainly controlled by moisture transport from the west across the Eurasian continent. Thus glaciations in the Verkhoyansk Mountains not only express local climate changes but also are strongly influenced by the extent of the Eurasian ice sheets.

Late Quaternary landscape evolution in a small catchment on the Chinese Loess Plateau

Late Quaternary landscape evolution was analysed with reference to a small (0.08 km 2) drainage basin system in southeastern Gansu Province, southwestern Chinese Loess Plateau. In this region, V-shaped valleys with broad valley floors are prominent landscape features whose basic shape already existed prior to MIS 2. During MIS 2 the valley bottoms were infilled with fluvially reworked loess, today forming accumulation terraces. Infrared optically stimulated luminescence (IRSL) dating of these loess-like deposits assigned them to the time span ranging from 22.5 to 17.7 ka BP. During the late Holocene, valley fills were partly eroded, and the receiving stream channel was deepened by at least 25 m close to the confluence of the study site's channels. These alternating erosion and accumulation phases were triggered by climatic factors or human impact. In the most recent past, the high landscape sensitivity of the Chinese Loess Plateau has led to increasing soil conservation measures that have effectively confined surface erosion. However, the lack of drainage on the artificial terraces induces piping processes.

Chronology of late Pleistocene Pampa loess from the Córdoba area in Argentina

AbstractIn Argentina, loess/palaeosol sequences were studied from the two sections at Monte Ralo and Corralito, located near to the city of Córdoba in the east of the Pampean ranges. Infrared optically stimulated luminescence (IRSL) and thermoluminescence (TL) dating techniques were applied to set up a more reliable chronological framework for the Upper Pleistocene loess record. IRSL ages increase with depth and are stratigraphically consistent. The oldest loess exposed correlates at least to the penultimate glaciation. The luminescence dating study gives evidence for humid climate conditions with soil formation during the last interglacial period and the middle pleniglacial correlating to Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5 and 3, respectively. Three extended periods of soil formation are recorded in the loess/palaeosol sequences at the Corralito section. These buried soils most likely correlate with the last interglacial and early last glacial period. During the Middle Pleniglacial, two palaeosols are intercalated in the loess successions. In the Córdoba area, the periods of increased loess accumulation and deposition of loessic sediments correlate with more arid and glacial periods during the Early Pleniglacial, the Middle Pleniglacial and the Late Glacial. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Loess chronology of the Caspian Lowland in Northern Iran

The loess/palaeosol sequences of the Caspian Lowland in Northern Iran provide detailed archives of climate and environmental change showing a close relationship to global cooling and warming trends for the Quaternary period. The magnitude of these changes is under discussion owing to uncertainties in the chronologies for individual sites. A chronological frame was set up for the last glacial loess record for three Upper Pleistocene key sections by infrared optically stimulated luminescence (IRSL). In the Caspian Lowland, IRSL dating gives reliable ages for sediments covering at least the past 60 ka. However, for sediments older than 60 ka, a significant age underestimation is likely. The first strongly developed buried Bt/Bwt horizons or pedocomplexes at the three sections under study correlate most likely with the last interglacial (MIS 5). At least four periods of increased sediment accumulation were determined for the last glacial period intercalated by periods of weak soil formation. The loess/palaeosol sequences in Northern Iran recorded coeval and similar major climatic changes as in South-Eastern Central Europe and Central Asia.

Loess chronostratigraphy in Eastern Croatia—A luminescence dating approach

In Eastern Croatia, impressive loess-palaeosol successions up to 30 m thick are exposed along the steep cliffs of the Danube River between Zmajevac and Šarengrad. The Croatian loess record provides an excellent high-resolution archive of climate and environmental change, providing evidence for the interaction between accumulation and erosion of aeolian and fluvial sediments during the Middle and Late Pleistocene. Sedimentological and pedological investigations, including granulometry, carbonate content and total organic carbon content, and infrared optically stimulated luminescence (IRSL) dating were carried out on samples collected from the loess sections at Zmajevac, Erdut and Šarengrad. The loess successions are intercalated by at least four palaeosols or pedocomplexes, which very likely correlate with Middle and Upper Pleistocene interstadials and interglacials. In all sediment successions investigated, alluvial sediments are intercalated in the loess deposits, indicating periods of fluvial activity. The stratigraphically youngest alluvial sediments are exposed at the Erdut section. Loess sandwiching these alluvial sediments yielded IRSL age estimates of 61.5±6.2 and 53.8±5.4 ka. The IRSL age estimates give evidence for periods of increased accumulation of dust during the middle and late pleniglacial, correlating with oxygen-isotope stage (OIS) 3 and OIS 2, respectively, during the penultimate glaciation and at least the antepenultimate glaciation. However, it is likely that IRSL age estimates >60 ka are underestimated.

Luminescence and amino acid racemization chronology of the loess–paleosol sequence at Süttő, Hungary

The loess–paleosol sequences in Hungary provide an excellent Upper Pleistocene climate archive of the Carpathian Basin. Loess deposits up to 20 m thick cover the Süttő travertine complex, located in the very northern part of Hungary, next to the right bank of the Danube River. The loess is intercalated with two weakly developed greyish horizons, two thinner-brownish steppe-like soils and a pedocomplex, including a reddish-brown clay-enriched horizon covered by a chernozem-like paleosol. Infrared optically stimulated luminescence (IRSL) dating was applied on polymineral fine grain material to determine the depositional age of the loess. The uppermost loess yields IRSL age estimates ranging from 15 to 40 ka. The loess on top of the pedocomplex yields IRSL age estimates ranging from 48 to 60 ka. The pedocomplex most likely correlates with the Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage (MIS) 5 interglacial period. The loess from below the pedocomplex was deposited during the penultimate glaciation, as evidenced by amino acid racemization (AAR) results. Further independent age control is provided by radiocarbon dating for the upper part of the profile and by uranium-series ( 230Th/ 234U) ages correlating the travertine below the loess with MIS 7–8. The magnetic susceptibility record through the sequence shows a strong correlation with the loess layers and soil horizons.

Das jungpleistozäne Lössprofil von Nussloch (SW-Wand) im Aufschluss der Heidelberger Zement AG

Abstract. At the Nussloch section located south of Heidelberg, a more recently exposed new loess wall was pedologically investigated. The profiles were investigated multidisciplinarily including grain-size spectra, organic and carbonate content, magnetic susceptibility, as well as biomorphology and malacology and infrared optically stimulated luminescence (IRSL). The lower part of the Late Pleistocene includes the subdivided Eemian paleosol and the Wuermian loess about 18 m thick. A Bt horizon, a humic-rich horizon (“Humuszone”) and several tundra gleysols (“Nassböden”) of different intensity, with and without Bw horizons could be detected. Five brown soils (WB2 – WB6) are intercalated in the loess. The brown soils WB2, WB4 and WB5 correlate to interstadial periods, as evidenced by the mollusc spectra. Furthermore, WB1 correlates to one of the three Early Wuermian interstadials (“Mosbacher Humuszone”). Soil WB1 with an age estimate of about 75 ka BP represents the reduced Early Wuermian sequence. The most intensive brown soil (WB4) has the typical soil criteria of an arctic brown soil, which most likely correlates to the about 30 ka old Lohne Soil (“Lohner Boden”). The Late Wuermian loess covering the Lohne Soil is about 12 m thick and intercalated by at least ten tundra gleysols. The equivalent of the E2-Nassboden forms a tundra gley complex including also the weak brown soils WB5 and WB6. The youngest Upper Wuermian loess about 4.50 m thick covers the Eltville tephra and is designated to correlate to the E4/E5 complex. The paleopedological results are in excellent agreement with the results and interpretation by means of malacology and magnetic susceptibility enabling detailed stratigraphic and paleoclimatic reconstruction.

The Upper Pleistocene loess/palaeosol sequence from Schatthausen in North Baden-Württemberg

Abstract. The loess/palaeosol sequence from the section at Schatthausen in North Baden-Württemberg gives evidence for a younger Bt horizon superimposing the last interglacial palaeosol. This result requires a more careful investigation of polygenetic superimposing palaeosols to avoid misinterpretation of the chronostratigraphic positions. The humic horizon and the underlying Bt horizon were most likely formed during two soil forming periods, as evidenced by means of palaeopedology, phytoliths and luminescence dating. The lowermost Bt horizon (Bt1) was most likely formed during the Eemian interglacial, marine isotope substage (MIS) 5e. The sediment of the uppermost Bt horizon (Bt2) was deposited about 71.5±7.4 ka ago and subsequently superimposed by soil formation most likely during early MIS 3. The Ah horizon covering the Bt gave infrared optically stimulated luminescence (IRSL) age estimates between 52.5±5.5 ka and 45.4±4.7 ka confirming soil formation during MIS 3. Periods of increased dust accumulation rates can be distinguished for the loess/palaeosol sequence by IRSL age estimates. These are from the youngest to the oldest: The Late Glacial loess (MIS 2) with a weighted mean age of 15.2±0.6 ka (N=7), the Middle Pleniglacial sediments (MIS 3) with a weighted mean age of 48.9±2.5 ka (n=4) and the Lower Pleniglacial/Early Glacial sediments (MIS 4/MIS 5) with a deposition age of 71.5±7.4 ka and older loess deposits. The IRSL age estimates are in excellent agreement with the geological estimates and correlate well with the dust peaks of Greenland Icecore record (GRIP). The loess record from Schatthausen complements the loess/palaeosol sequence from the nearby Nußloch section with the late glacial loess and its intercalcated Cryic Gleysols.