A tale of two signals: Global and local influences on the Late Pleistocene loess sequences in Bulgarian Lower Danube

In Central and Eastern Europe, research has been focused on loess associated with a plateau-setting, which preserves distinct well-developed palaeosol units linked to orbital scale changes. This led the view that during last glacial period Middle Lower Danube predominantly experienced dry continental climates supported steppic environments. However outside of typical plateau setting, some authors have reported presence embryonic palaeosols within suggesting sufficient moisture for short-term pedogenesis, therefore either large delivery systems and/or influence local climatic and/geomorphic factors. Here palaeoenvironmental palaeoclimatic history is reconstructed based two loess-palaeosol profiles in Slivata, North Bulgaria. The site located proximity both Carpathian Balkan Mountains rest river terrace. To understand timing sediment deposition dust fluxes chronological approaches combining quartz optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), feldspar post infrared-infrared (pIR-IRSL), tephra correlation were applied. results are coupled high-resolution particle size magnetic susceptibility analysis provide an overview past environmental conditions at site. Finally, zircon U–Pb ages used potential changes patterns, context development. investigated profile Slivata 2 record spanning 52–30 ka, very complex sedimentary sequence switches between periods enhanced flux accumulation, also punctuated by multiple thin “palaeosol” like interpreted as colluvial “soil” deposits basis sedimentology, provenance, geochronology, indicating highly variable dynamic landscape responding surrounding environment. chronology shows rapid accumulation 1 LGM, mass rates similar sites Basin, strong winds high supply rates. Yet LGM palaeosol, developed 20–19 ka. coincides temporary retreat higher availability Carpathians, points localised influences Moreover data from soil development extension climate stabilisation shortly prior 14 pre-Holocene onset pedogenesis supports ecological evidence weak Younger Dryas South Mountains. Lastly this paper provides geochemical horizon preserved profile, was correlated Cape Riva/Y-2 tephra. Consequently most northerly terrestrial found contain horizon, implications understanding Santorini's Cape-Riva/Y-2 explosion. identification Riva (Y-2) new remodelled age 21.92 ± 0.56 cal ka BP tephrostratigraphic marker eastern European loess. • Over short distances factors including topography mountain belts influenced variability. Provenance show minor switch mode source MIS2 MIS3. containing Danubian First application single grain dating tool depositional