The palaeoenvironment of the Kempenland clay deposits (Lower Quaternary, N. Belgium)

Abstract

Grain-size analyses show that the Kempenland deposits (Lower Quaternary, N. Belgium) were deposited in an environment of rather quiet water with a low flow energy and no tidal influence. Electron microscopical investigations indicate that the water contained few salts. The sedimentary structures are the result of an unidirectional current towards the northwest, in a river with a mainly meandering character. No evidence could be found for a marine, littoral or perimarine genesis. Most probably the Kempenland deposits can be placed within the Kedichem and Tegelen Formations of Dutch authors.