The European sand belt in eastern Europe-and comparison of Late Glacial dune orientation with GCM simulation results

Abstract

A compilation is presented of the continuation of the European sand belt, east of Poland. Dune fields encompass most of the aeolian formations in eastern Europe. Supposed sand provenance, dune oreintation, and the few available datings suggest initial aeolian activity during cold stages of the Upper-Pleni (=full)glacial and Late Glacial, similar to northwest and central Europe. Dune formation was primarily supply controlled. Comparison of dune orientation with Late Glacial surface wind directions simulated by various GCMs permits reconstruction of dune activation with the positioning of (winter) westerlies over glacial deposits during the Oldest Dryas. Final widespread aeoliana ctivity occurred during the Younger Dryas. As compared to the smaller fields toward the centre of deglaciation, aeolian sand deposits of the intermediate and periglacial zone benefited from distinctly longer intervals of accumulation. In the zone of deglaciation, aeolian activity was restricted to relatively isolated basins.