The loess deposits of Buca Dei Corvi section (Central Italy): Revisited

ZANCHETTA G.; FALLICK, A.; ZEMBO I.; SARTI G.; CIULLI A.L.; LEZZERINI, M.; TROMBINO L.; BORETTO G.M.; BINI M.; COLONESE A.; REGATTIERI E.

CATENA

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2017 vol. 151 p. 225 - 237

0341-8162

Loess deposits have been described in the past for the upper section of Buca Dei Corvi succession24 (Central Italy). In this paper the deposits were re-analyzed to clarify the depositional environment25 and to attempt a paleoclimate reconstruction. Two radiocarbon dates on pedogenic carbonate26 constrain the ages to the Late Glacial, and are consistent with previous OSL dating of the top of the27 succession. The non-marine mollusc assemblage shows typical character of cold and dry climatic28 conditions, testified by strong oligotypical composition. Mineralogy and geochemistry of the29 sediments indicate the abundant presence of exotic quartz mineral which can be explained only by30 wind transport. Probably, wind transport was also responsible of deposition of carbonate which thendissolved and re-precipitated producing pedogenic concretions. Stable isotopes (13C/12C and 18O/16 31 O32 ratios) of the concretions are consistent with a climate drier than present conditions, with an33 environment characterized by sparse vegetation.