Aeolian Material Migration in Transbaikalia (Asian Russia)

We revealed regional features of functioning of a large Transbaikalian aeolian morphodynamic system. Natural pre-conditions, current realities and factors of development of aeolian processes are investigated. The paper considers regularities of spatial distribution of deflation, transit, and aeolian accumulation zones. Main directions of aeolian migration of matter are determined. Pulsating nature of aeolian processes development in Holocene has been established. Identified are intrasecular cycles and Holocene dynamics of aeolian processes. We identified intrasecular (11, 27–35 years old), secular (80 year old) and Holocene (500, 2000 year old) cycles of aeolian process dynamics. The paper shows the influence of anthropogenic activity on the activation of aeolian migration of material for the historical period. It presents an overview of extreme aeolian events. Regionalization of Transbaikalia was carried out according to the degree of probable desertification of the territory due to development of aeolian processes. Areas of catastrophic manifestation of processes are highlighted. The results of long-term experimental observations of deflation and aeolian accumulation are presented. Particular attention is paid to the characteristics of the aeolian corridors. The important role of aeolian processes in the intensive material transport from Transbaikalia to the south and southeast to neighboring regions of Mongolia and China is shown.

Heavy-mineral derived provenance study of Quaternary sediments of the Mazovian Lowland, Central Poland

This study makes an attempt to characterise Quaternary sediments in terms of their heavy minerals (HM) composition. Authors focus on the Mazovian Lowland, Central Poland, where a number of clastic sediments of different age and origin overlap. Five sedimentary settings, covering the Saalian-Holocene (MIS 1-6) time frame, have been studied to reveal whether these sediments have single or multiple source areas and to decipher sediment transformations. In the glacial setting either garnet- or amphibole-dominated sediments occur. This unequivocal mineral combination likely reflects a multi-sourcing resulting from multi-directional ice advance. The HM taken from fan-like forms and aeolian sediments are closely related; these sediments are largely multicyclic and likely derived from pre-existing recycling sediments. Similar mineral suite is also typical for long-lasting aeolian processes and is observed in dune sediments. Ultrastable components are less frequent in the coversand, which points at a shorter-lived aeolian process. Finally, the fluvial setting reveals multi-sourcing largely depending on local geological conditions.