Nouvel essai de correlation des terrasses rhodaniennes
Abstract Reconstruction of the Quaternary terraces of the Rhone (southeast France) reveals three or possibly four levels between the Rhone delta and the Rhone-Drome confluence. The age of the lowest terrace level--best exposed at Valence-Romans and upstream--is questionable. It may represent either the Wuerm or the Riss, or it may be divided between two different stades--neo-Riss and an older stade represented by the Leore-Fouillouse terrace. The middle terrace is Rissian and the highest terrace represents the Villafranchian. This phenomenon of uplifted terraces seems to be related to an isostatic uplift of blocks to compensate for the load of glacial ice. The continuity and extent of this phenomenon would explain the relative positions of the terraces, the older higher than the younger. Cross sections are included which show the recognized terraces. A correlation chart presents the Quaternary stratigraphy of Scandinavia, the alpine regions, the Sahara, central Africa, and Australia, and includes the major archaeological divisions.