Palaeohydrologic conditions in the Mark River basin during the last 15,000 years

Abstract

This paper presents an outline of lithologic and morphologic developments in the alluvial environment of the Mark Basin in Central Belgium during Post Glacial times. By means of about 900 borings the spatial arrangement and stratigraphic position of palaeomorphologic features and sedimentary units in different parts of the basin was reconstructed. This, together with the radiocarbon datings, offers an insight into Holocene palaeohydrologic conditions in the Mark River floodplain. The influence of prevailing topographic and geologic conditions in the basin, and changes in external factors, such as climate and man, on the developments in the floodplain are evaluated.