Quaternary Stratigraphy of Southern Bavaria

Abstract

A review of current stratigraphical systems for the Quaternary sedimentary sequences of Southern Bavaria is given as it is used by the Geological Survey of the Bavarian Environment Agency. Different classification approaches for continental deposits of the Quaternary are highlighted with a special focus on the climate and terrace stratigraphy which are commonly used in Bavaria. A description of the associated informal units documents the current status of application and may lead to formal definitions. In Bavaria the traditional classification after Penck & Brückner (1901-1909) with its completions and refinements is still in use. New results concerning a more detailed structuring of the glacial epoch by subordinate cold and warm phases were integrated into this system. Terrace sequences are crucial for this classification of the Quaternary in Southern Bavaria whose chronological interpretation is the base of the so-called morphostratigraphy. Successions of terminal moraines which constitute glacial-glaciofluvial sequences with the associated terraces represent a second basis of stratigraphical division. Therefore, beside a detailed documentation of the terrace units also classifications of different terminal moraines are presented. Further stratigraphical systems are used in Bavaria and in adjacent areas which are based on different criteria or which lead to different chronological classifications. Even the described stratigraphical classifications are not used by all authors in the same way. The documentation of the current use may assist a coordination of different nomenclatures for the users benefit. Copyright: