Characteristics of a Benchmark Loess–Paleosol Profile in Northeast China

The Chaoyang profile represents a rare multi-period, continuous and complete sequence of aeolian paleo-deposits with stable sedimentary origin multi-stage paleoclimatic cycles. Benchmark profiles including soil types at different pedogenic stages can be used for the recognition classification paleosols paleoclimate reconstruction. loess–paleosol benchmark (LBP) is also helpful in comparing results paleoenvironment reconstruction from ecological regions. In this study, derived thick loess city Liaoning province, Northeast China, was investigated as well-preserved LBP that included various paleosol types. To determine nature profile, geographic, stratigraphic morphological characteristics were described field. Bulk samples 42 horizons collected chemical physical analysis, sub-sampling 946 2 cm intervals surface to bottom taken measure grain size distributions magnetic susceptibility. Results showed 19.85 m had been continuously deposited since 423 ka BP. upper part (0–195 cm), or UPP, predominantly deposition but mixed water-reworked materials nearby secondary source. middle (195–228 MIP, indirectly affected by water-reworking process through leaching overlying UPP. lower (228–1985 LOP, characterized four reddish layers interbedded five yellowish ones, indicating several developed under environments. cycles evidenced well age dating susceptibility correlated Lingtai section LR04 benthic δ18O. Because these attributes, deemed China. differences properties between suggest fertility agronomic need further studies assess their functionality climate fluctuation.