The intra‐Saalian interstadial floras of the Chojny Formation of Belchatów, central Poland

• Published in: Journal of Quaternary Science
• Main Authors: Krzyszkowski, D., Nita, M.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 1995
• Subjects: Arctic; Ice Sheet
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jqs.3390100304; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1002%2Fjqs.3390100304; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/jqs.3390100304

Abstract The Saalian sequence of Belchatów, central Poland, is exceptionally thick and complete. Five tills, two from the older Saalian (Odranian, Drenthe) and three from the younger Saalian (Wartanian, Warthe), which are separated by the fluvial Chojny Formation, have been identified. The Saalian sequence at Bełchatów is underlain by Holsteinian and overlain by Eemian sequences, both palaeobotanically analysed. The Chojny Formation contains deposits of meandering (lower member) and braided (upper member) rivers, with occasional aeolian deposits. The lower member of the formation contains numerous organic layers. Pollen analysis indicates temperate (sub‐boreal) to cold (sub‐arctic) climatic conditions, with coniferous to mixed forests in the optimum phase of the interstadial. The interstadial floras of the Chojny Formation are interpreted as representing the intra‐Saalian Pilica Interstadial. Profiles from Belchatów are designated as the stratotype profiles of this substage. The data from Bełchatów show clearly that reforestation occurred between the major advances of the Saalian ice sheet, although only interstadial rank, not interglacial, may be inferred from the pollen data.