Stratigraphy, palynology and radiocarbon dating of middle and late Weichselian deposits in the Drentsche AA valley system (Drente, the Netherlands)

Abstract

A survey is given of the Middle Weichselian (Pleniglacial) and Late Weichselian (Late Glacial) deposits found in the Drentsche Aa valley system. The middle Pleniglacial succession consists of humic loam layers wich are interpreted as thaw lake deposits. The upper Pleniglacial coarse fluvial sand is correlated with the lower part of the Beuningen Gravel Bed. Late Glacial aeolian and slope deposits cover these Pleniglacial deposits and relief. The tentative stratigraphic interpretation of these valley sediments is based on superposition and palynological data of pollen-bearing organic levels. However, the radiocarbon dates from the thaw lake deposits do not agree with this interpretation. Possible causes are discussed.