https://gq.pgi.gov.pl/issue/feedGeological Quarterly2024-03-14T14:19:48+01:00Ewa Dąbrowska-JędrusikGQ@pgi.gov.plOpen Journal Systems<div id="journalDescription-1" class="journalDescription"><p><strong>The policy of the Geological Quarterly</strong> is to publish significant contributions of information and geological insight relevant to an international readership. The journal has been issued since 1957 at the <a href="http://www.pgi.gov.pl/en/">Polish Geological Institute - National Research Institute</a> and, at present, is the leading Earth sciences journal in Poland. All aspects of Earth and related sciences, and universal and broad regional rather than locally oriented topics are covered.</p><p>The journal is intended to be an international forum for the exchange of information and ideas, particularly on important geological topics of Central Europe.</p><p class="journal">The Geological Quarterly is abstracted and indexed in: Science Citation Index Expanded including the Web of Science, Research Alert, Current Contents/(Physical, Chemical & Earth Sciences), American Geological Institute/Bibliography and Index of Geology, Elsevier/GeoAbstracts, GEOBASE, BIOSIS UK/Zoological Records, and Geological Bibliography of Poland.</p><p><strong>IF 2022 </strong>=<strong> 1.0 37/48 in Category Geology (Rank by Journal Citation Indicator: 38/61)</strong></p><p><strong>Score of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education = 100</strong></p><p class="journal"><strong><br /></strong></p></div>https://gq.pgi.gov.pl/article/view/34079Editorial Board 20232024-03-14T14:19:31+01:00Geological Quarterlygq@pgigov.pl.2024-03-14T09:39:19+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Geological Quarterlyhttps://gq.pgi.gov.pl/article/view/34060REVIEWERS IN 20232024-03-14T14:19:36+01:00Geological Quarterlygq@pgi.gov.pl.2024-03-14T09:39:21+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Geological Quarterlyhttps://gq.pgi.gov.pl/article/view/33772Geophysical VLF prospecting for vein-type gold-bearing polymetallic sulphide deposits in the Sudetes (SW Poland)2024-03-14T14:19:36+01:00Stanisław Zbigniew Mikulskistanislaw.mikulski@pgi.gov.plSzymon Ostrowskiszymon.ostrowski@pgi.gov.pl<p>The abandoned historic gold mining areas in the Sudetes are prospective for vein-type sulphide and gold deposits. The applied VLF geophysical survey showed a number of linear anomalies indicating the possibility of occurrence of the unknown quartz-sulphide ore veins in the areas of former mining exploitation of gold and arsenic in the Klecza-Radomice Ore District and As-polymetallic sulphides in the Czarnów deposit. These areas are very promising for further prospecting for auriferous polymetallic sulphide ore. Shallow drilling campaign is postulated in order to verify the ore potential of the recorded VLF anomalies.</p>2024-03-14T09:39:21+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Geological Quarterlyhttps://gq.pgi.gov.pl/article/view/33780PAHs and organophosphorus substances in burnt landfill material as a potential source of water and soil pollution2024-03-14T14:19:36+01:00Wojciech Rykaławojciech.rykala@us.edu.plMonika Fabiańskamonika.fabianska@us.edu.plDominika Dąbrowskadominika.dabrowska@us.edu.plVahid Nouranivnourani@yahoo.com<p>Illegal landfills pose a potential threat to the aquatic environment due, in part, to the unprotected subsoil beneath them. We describe the toxicity of soil samples and incinerated solid waste from two illegal landfills in Poland, and discuss the potential negative impact on groundwater. Fifty samples were taken, including 32 from an illegal landfill in Trzebinia (southern Poland), and analysed by GC-MS. The PAHs detected included naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, acenaphthene, acenaphthylene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo(c)phenanthrene, benzo(a)anthracene, chrysene, benzo(b+k)fluoranthene, benzo(a)fluoranthene, benzo(c)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(e)pyrene, perylene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, benzo(ghi)perylene and dibenzo(a+h)anthracene. The organophosphates detected were tris-(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate, trisphenyl phosphate, tri-cresyl phosphate, tri(butoxyethyl)phosphate and tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate. PAHs at <50 ppm/g predominate in the samples, though samples with total PAHs ranging to >100 ppm/g were also identified in both study areas. Among the organic phosphate concentrations in the leachates, tris-(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate was most frequently observed, with concentrations reaching ~0.7 µg/l. These compounds within burnt waste and soil can negatively impact the safety of groundwater. Constant monitoring and research is needed to assess the negative effects of waste fires on unsealed ground beneath, and to help prevent further instances</p>2024-03-14T09:39:21+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Geological Quarterlyhttps://gq.pgi.gov.pl/article/view/33773The genesis of base and precious metals-bearing epithermal veins in the Gharehchay-Kurmolla area, south of Tikmehdash, NW Iran2024-03-14T14:19:36+01:00Zahra Hassani Soughiz.hassanisoughi@tabrizu.ac.irAli Asghar Calagaricalagaria@yahoo.comGhahraman Sohrabiq_sohrabi@yahoo.comThe Gharehchay-Kurmolla (Gh-Ku) base and precious metals occurrence is located in ~2 km south of Tikmehdash, 75 km south-east of Tabriz, and is a part of Bostanabad-Miyaneh gold-bearing district in the West Alborz-Azarbaidjan structural zone. Mineralization in the study area occurs in quartz veins and veinlets hosted by the Eocene volcanic-pyroclastic units as well as granite. Recognizable alteration zones around the quartz veins and veinlets include silicic, phyllic, intermediate argillic, and propylitic types. The mineralization was developed during three conspicuous stages. In stage 1, minerals such as quartz, pyrite, and chalcopyrite with slight amounts of gold were formed. During stage 2, minerals such as quartz, galena, sphalerite, and gold together with pyrite and chalcopyrite were developed. Stage 3 was concurrent with deposition of quartz accompanied by Mn-oxides and hydroxides (pyrolusite and psilomelane). The major gangue minerals are quartz, adularia, sericite, epidote, chlorite and calcite. Micro-thermometric investigations on primary 2-phase (LV) fluid inclusions in quartz crystals showed that the hydrothermal fluids responsible for mineralization had temperatures and salinities ranging from 215 to 325°C and from 2.6 to 10.4 wt.% NaCl eq., respectively. The oxygen isotopic composition of the fluid (+9.7 to +12.5‰) suggests that the ore-forming solutions had a largely magmatic component. The sulphur isotopic composition of the fluid (–1.5 to –3.4‰) is also indicative of magmatic origin. On the basis of data obtained from micro-thermometric and stable isotope analyses, boiling along with mixing were two important mechanisms involved in the precipitation of ore and gangue minerals in the study area. The geological and geochemical characteristics of the Gh-Ku area indicate that mineralization in this area is of epithermal type with a low-sulphidation style.2024-03-14T09:39:21+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Geological Quarterlyhttps://gq.pgi.gov.pl/article/view/33812New data on the Sciuridae (Rodentia) from the Villafranchian site of Węże 2 in southern Poland2024-03-14T14:19:36+01:00Michał Czernielewskim.czernielewski@int.pl<p>In addition to specimens attributable to <em>Pliopetaurista dehneli</em> (Pteromyini), already described by Sulimski (1964), the fossil tooth material collected at the Upper Pliocene (MN 16b) site of Węże 2 in southern Poland comprises specimens assignable to other representatives of the Sciuridae. These include Tamias orlovi (Marmotini), Blackia miocaenica (Pteromyini) and <em>Sciurus warthae</em> (Sciurini). All these species are otherwise relatively rare in the fossil record. Along with another MN 16b site, Frechen, as well as the MN 16 sites of Rębielice Królewskie 1A and Rębielice Królewskie 2, Węże 2 thus represents one of the youngest occurrences of <em>B. miocaenica</em> in the fossil record.<em> P. dehneli, B. miocaenica</em> and <em>S. warthae</em> are considered to have inhabited dense forests while <em>T. orlovi</em> probably also lived in more open wooded environments.<br /><br /></p>2024-03-14T09:39:21+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Geological Quarterlyhttps://gq.pgi.gov.pl/article/view/33849New biostratigraphic data on the Ropianka Formation in the Przemyśl area (Skole Nappe, Polish Outer Carpathians) – a clue to understanding the timing of exotic material redeposition2024-03-14T14:19:36+01:00Jan Woydaj.woyda@student.uw.edu.plAnna Waśkowskawaskowsk@agh.edu.plZbyszek Reminzremin@uw.edu.plThe geology of the Carpathian orogen in the Przemyśl area shows a diverse array of rock ages and tectonics. However, due to complicated tectonic settings and limited exposures, establishing the precise ages of selected sections and their structural arrangement is challenging. A particularly contentious aspect is the uncertain age of the exotic-bearing layers in the region, with previous age dates ranging from Neocomian to Miocene, leading to significant age discrepancies even for the same sections. Therefore, the need for well-defined age determinations is crucial. To address this issue we established precise biostratigraphic constraints on selected sections in the northern part of the Skole Nappe, specifically within the Ropianka Formation developed as marly and silty deposits with carbonate sandstones and exotic material including large olistoliths. Planktonic and calcareous benthic foraminifera from the exposures studied indicated the lower upper Maastrichtian, embracing the interval of the <em>Racemiguembelina fructicosa</em> and lower part of the <em>Abathomphalus mayaroensis</em> zones. Additionally, re-evaluation of the data of Bukowy and Geroch (1956) from the Iwanowa Hill section indicated its late Maastrichtian age, not the early Maastrichtian as previously inferred. Based on this new biostratigraphic data, the deposits of the Zielonka section are here reclassified to belong to the Leszczyny Member, and not the Paleocene Wola Korzeniecka Member as proposed by Gucik (Geroch et al., 1988). The sections studied seem to mark the lower age-limit of the redeposition of exotic material cropping out in the marginal part of the Gruszowa-Prałkowce Thrust Sheet<br /><br />2024-03-14T09:39:21+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Geological Quarterlyhttps://gq.pgi.gov.pl/article/view/33630Sorption in an ammonioalunite-ammoniojarosite solid solution: results for the 1, 2, 4, 7, 11, 12 and 13 group elements and LREEs2024-03-14T14:19:36+01:00Łukasz Kruszewskilkruszewski@twarda.pan.plBeata Marciniak-Maliszewskab.maliszewska@uw.edu.plJakub Kotowskij.kotowski@uw.edu.pl<div><p>This paper collates selected analytical results from a 1-year sorption experiments conducted on natural samples of an ammonioalunite-ammoniojarosite solid solution (AAJ) of known initial composition. These include Electron Microprobe (EPMA) and Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD) results for baths subjected to Li<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4·</sub>H<sub>2</sub>O, KI, Rb<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub> (0.33–0.62 wt.% Rb<sub>2</sub>O in the AAJ, CsCl (0.24–1.07 wt.% Cs<sub>2</sub>O), Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub> (ettringite formation), Sr(NO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub> (0.31–10.25 wt.% SrO), ZrO(NO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>·2H<sub>2</sub>O, MnSO<sub>4</sub>·H<sub>2</sub>O, CuSO<sub>4</sub>·5H<sub>2</sub>O (up to 1.05 wt.% CuO), ZnCl<sub>2</sub>, Ga(NO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>3</sub>·9H<sub>2</sub>O (5.86-21.44 wt.% Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>), ZrCl<sub>4</sub> (up to 17.56 wt.% ZrO<sub>2</sub> in AAJ, i.e., up to 0.27 apfu<em> </em>Zr, InCl<sub>3</sub> (0.85–17.04 wt.% In<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>, i.e., possibly up to 0.42 apfu), KH<sub>2</sub>AsO<sub>4</sub> (up to 45.93 wt.% As<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>, recast to 1.64 apfu As), K<sub>2</sub>SeO<sub>3</sub> (up to 44.86 wt.% SeO<sub>2</sub>, recast to 1.55 apfu Se), LaCl<sub>3</sub>·7H<sub>2</sub>O (0.17–0.22 wt.% La<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>), CeCl<sub>3</sub>·7H<sub>2</sub>O (0.38–1.74 wt.% Ce<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>), and PrCl<sub>3</sub>·6H<sub>2</sub>O (1.66–4.10 wt.% Pr<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>). Zn, Mn, and I only rarely show accumulation. (NH<sub>4</sub>)Fe<sub>3</sub>(AsO<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>[(OH)<sub>4</sub>(H<sub>2</sub>O)<sub>2</sub>] and (NH<sub>4</sub>)Fe<sub>3</sub>[(AsO<sub>4</sub>)(SO<sub>4</sub>)][(OH)<sub>5</sub>(H<sub>2</sub>O)] are occasionally the dominant hypothetical end-members in the As experiment. In the KI case the resulting material is 1.6 times more enriched in K than the base used. Special attention is paid to Zr, with PXRD and EPMA results not ideally coincident with a trial Scanning Electron Microscopy-Electron Backscatter Diffraction study suggesting deposition of tetragonal ZrSiO<sub>4</sub> (synthetic zircon).</p></div>2024-03-14T09:39:21+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Geological Quarterlyhttps://gq.pgi.gov.pl/article/view/33813Late Silurian–Early Devonian tuffites from the Małopolska and Łysogóry blocks reflect arc-back-arc magmatic activity on the southern margin of Laurussia2024-03-14T14:19:36+01:00Emil Wójcikemilwojcik@student.uw.edu.pl<p>Zircon U-Pb dating of tuffites within the upper Silurian greywackes in the southern part of the Holy Cross Fold Belt gives a result of 419.91 ±1.7 Ma, which indicates they are of Přídolí age. Geochemical studies of Přídolí tuffites from the Małopolska Block, an Emsian tuffite from the Łysogóry Block in the Holy Cross Fold Belt and a Přídolí tuffite from the Bardo Unit in the Central Sudetes indicate that they were formed in a similar tectonic setting related to post-orogenic, continental arc-back-arc magmatism, developed along the southern margin of Laurussia, correlated with the Rhenohercynian Zone. In terms of their geochemical pattern, the tuffites are similar to the upper Silurian–Lower Devonian igneous rocks in Germany, Ukraine (Podolia) and Moldova, which were probably formed along the same subduction zone, during an early stage of the continental arc-back-arc magmatic activity.</p><p> </p>2024-03-14T09:39:21+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Geological Quarterlyhttps://gq.pgi.gov.pl/article/view/33775Unraveling Mediaeval human traces in fluvial deposits of the Dyje River near the Pohansko stronghold (Czech Republic)2024-03-14T14:19:36+01:00Slavomír Nehybaslavek@sci.muni.czKatarína Adameková394563@mail.muni.czNela Dolákovánela@sci.muni.czPetr Dreslerdresler@phil.muni.czJan PetříkJPazourek@email.czMichaela Přišťákovápristakova.michaela@gmail.comSedimentological, archaeological, geochemical and pollen analyses combined with numerical dating were employed to examine the fluvial deposits of the Dyje River within the immediate vicinity of the Pohansko stronghold (Moravia, Czech Republic). This comprehensive approach facilitated the reconstruction of the chronology and nature of the processes in both the Dyje River catchment and its floodplain, mostly during the Medieval period. The older overbank deposits accumulated during the Late Holocene sometime before the 9th century CE. Palaeochannel sands were deposited between the 9th and 11th centuries CE as the infill of one fluvial channel of the Dyje River. The lower part of these sands displays direct traces of human intervention, including stones interpreted as from pavements and a wooden construction dated between 894 and 914 CE. The wooden construction may represent the remains of a bridge, a device for fish capture or a wooden structure. Geochemical signals associated with human activities are elevated in the palaeochannel sands, in part contemporary with the settlement activities at the Pohansko stronghold. Anthropogenic pollen indicators indicate the highest intensity of agriculture in the river catchment also in this period. After abandonment of the channel, the younger upper overbank deposits accumulated after the 11th century CE.2024-03-14T09:39:21+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Geological Quarterlyhttps://gq.pgi.gov.pl/article/view/33760Colours of the upper Neogene “Poznań Clays” in the light of sedimentological, mineralogical and nuclear methods2024-03-14T14:19:37+01:00Jakub Klęskjakub.klesk@amu.edu.plArtur Błachowskisfblacho@cyf-kr.edu.plŁukasz Kruszewskilkruszewski@twarda.pan.plDanuta Michalskadanuta.michalska@amu.edu.plMałgorzata Mrozek-Wysockamalgorzata.mrozek@amu.edu.plMarek Widerawidera@amu.edu.plThe Miocene–Pliocene overbank facies “Poznań Clays” are particularly well exposed in large lignite outcrops in central Poland, for example, in the Jóźwin IIB opencast mine. During their accumulation the climate fluctuated from moderately warm and humid to cool and dry. In general, the dark grey and the greyish-violet colours come from macroscopically visible organic matter and the absence of hematite and/or goethite. The organic matter also affects the Fe<sup>3+</sup>/Fe<sup>2+</sup> ratio and, consequently, the redox conditions. When the study area was poorly drained, there were favourable conditions for plant vegetation, resulting in Histosols (hydromorphic palaeosols). In a reducing environment, other sediments with “cold” colours (greenish to bluish shades) formed that included pyrite and/or gypsum, though with few or no pigments such as hematite, goethite or jarosite. At that time, elemental sulphur could also crystallize, occasionally giving a yellowish shade to the sediment mottles. When the area was well drained, most of the organic matter decayed, and the Fe<sup>3+</sup>/Fe<sup>2+</sup> ratio was relatively high due to progressive weathering. Under such conditions, Vertisols developed with “warm” colours (from yellow to cherry-red), enriched in hematite and goethite, and also containing gypsum and native sulphur.2024-03-14T09:39:21+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Geological Quarterlyhttps://gq.pgi.gov.pl/article/view/33747Depositional system of an anastomosing river with low organic content: an example from the Oława Valley, SW Poland2024-03-14T14:19:37+01:00Krzysztof Jan Wójcickiwojcicki@poczta.onet.pl<p>Large amounts of organic matter (OM) deposited in a cohesive floodplain are considered a typical feature of a low-energy anastomosing river in a humid climate. Studies in the Oława Valley (Silesian Lowland) were designed to determine the forms of occurrence and the conditions of deposition of OM in relation to the main sedimentary sub-environments. The results show that the proportion of OM in the sediments of the Oława floodplain is low and usually assumes values typical of mineral soils (up to several percent). In particular, the deposits of floodbasins and natural levees have a low content of OM. The rapidly decaying OM there mainly accumulates in epipedons and is dominated by leaf and wood debris. A somewhat higher content of OM was found in the channel alluvia, especially in the rhythmically stratified sediments of the upper part of the river bars. Plant detritus in the form of species-rich wood, bark, remains of leaves, fruits and seeds was deposited directly from the tree canopy or together with mud in the last phase of the flood. The remains of diatoms, porifera and bryozoans are typical of sandier strata. Organic sediments from frequently flooded bars may contain more rhizodermis and epidermis of amphiphytes. The greatest potential for accumulation and long-term preservation of OM is found in abandoned channels. The palaeochannel fills mainly contain the remains of autochthonous wood, rhizodermis and epidermis. The remains of mosses, Cladocera and Chironomidae are characteristic of this sedimentary sub-environment. In general, however, the area occupied by peat swamps in the study area is disproportionately low (less than 1%) compared to the examples of anastomosing-river, organic-rich floodplains cited in the literature. In the studied sections, the Oława River thus represents a type of anastomosing system in temperate, humid areas that has been overlooked by classical classifications and is characterised by a low organic sediment content.</p>2024-03-14T09:39:23+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Geological Quarterlyhttps://gq.pgi.gov.pl/article/view/33802First evidence of seismically-induced deformations in fluvial deposits of the Lower Rotliegend in the Intra-Sudetic Basin, SW Poland2024-03-14T14:19:37+01:00Izabela Plochizabela.ploch@pgi.gov.plA.J. (Tom) Van Loongq@pgi.gov.plMarek Awdankiewiczgq@pgi.gov.plSebastian Voigtgq@pgi.gov.plPaweł Raczyńskigq@pgi.gov.plThe Lower Rotliegend in the Intra-Sudetic Basin, situated at the northern margin of the Bohemian Massif, is represented in the Polish part of the basin by the Krajanów and Słupiec formations. Both formations consist of fluvial and lacustrine deposits. The sedimentary processes during the deposition of the Słupiec Formation were influenced by volcanic activity that resulted in subvolcanic intrusions, lava flows and ignimbrites. Some slabs of fluvial sediments from the Słupiec Formation show a level consisting entirely of soft-sediment deformation structures, in particular load casts, sometimes representing successive phases of loading. These deformations are interpreted to record volcanism-related earthquakes. Also a level full of load casts in the fluvial part of the Słupiec Fm. can feasibly be explained only be earthquakes that must be ascribed to a volcanic eruption2024-03-14T09:39:24+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Geological Quarterlyhttps://gq.pgi.gov.pl/article/view/34061Preface2024-03-14T14:19:37+01:00Przemysław Mroczekprzemyslaw.mroczek@mail.umcs.plMaria Łanczontmaria.lanczont@mail.umcs.plWojciech Granoszewskiwojciech.granoszewski@pgi.gov.pl.2024-03-14T09:39:25+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Geological Quarterlyhttps://gq.pgi.gov.pl/article/view/33692Magnetostratigraphy of the Pleistocene loess-palaeosol sequences in Ukraine and Moldova: a historical overview and recent developments2024-03-14T14:19:43+01:00Volodymyr Bakhmutovhlavatskyi@gmail.comDmytro Hlavatskyihlavatskyi@gmail.comIevgen Poliachenkohlavatskyi@gmail.com<p>The loess-palaeosol sequences of Ukraine and Moldova contain one of the longest and most complete terrestrial records of Pleistocene climate change in Europe. Magnetostratigraphic studies provide a first-order chronological framework for loess sequences. The literature on loess magnetostratigraphy by Ukrainian authors from the 1960s to present is vast; however, it is rather inaccessible to international readers. In this review, we summarize historical stages of the magnetostratigraphic studies in Ukraine and Moldova, and present recent developments in loess magnetic stratigraphy, including pedostratigraphy based on magnetic susceptibility variations. We highlight recent progress in the determination of the Matuyama–Brunhes boundary in the Ukrainian loess and discuss future prospects for studies of loess magnetism. In particular, mismatches between the positions of palaeomagnetic reversal boundaries (e.g., the Matuyama–Brunhes boundary, the Gauss–Matuyama boundary) and the corresponding pedostratigraphy are discussed in detail.</p>2024-03-14T09:40:17+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Geological Quarterlyhttps://gq.pgi.gov.pl/article/view/33733The anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility as a method to study Quaternary deposits: theory and applications2024-03-14T14:19:43+01:00Artur Teodorskia.teodorski@student.uw.edu.plThe anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility is used as a geophysical method, based on the non-uniform magnetic properties of rocks, within which it exploits the individual types of minerals, their quantity, and distribution in the rocks. The anisotropy of minerals may be a result of their crystalline structure or the shape of mineral grains. If the anisotropy is connected to the shape of the minerals, as in the case of magnetite, the axis of maximum magnetic susceptibility is perpendicular to the grain long axis. This indirectly allows determination of grain orientation in the rocks studied. Therefore, this method can be used to reconstruct the directions of transport of rock components, such as in loess, fluvial or ice-dammed sediments, and to determine the directions of ice-sheet movement based on glacial till studies. The method is also used in tectonic stress reconstruction, complementing the results of palaeomagnetic dating or the logging of borehole cores. The rapid, inexpensive measurement of anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility along with low human error in measurement has made this method competitive with traditional research methods<br /><br />2024-03-14T09:40:18+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Geological Quarterlyhttps://gq.pgi.gov.pl/article/view/33668Nano-scale analysis of polymineralic surface coatings on aeolian quartz grains with palaeoenvironmental implications2024-03-14T14:19:43+01:00Piotr Kenispiotr.kenis@uwr.edu.plJacek Skurzyńskijacek.skurzynski@uwr.edu.plSandeep Gorantlasandeep.gorantla@port.lukasiewicz.gov.pl<p>The combined application of SEM/FIB cross-section lamella preparation and S/TEM characterization of individual aeolian quartz silt grains revealed two types of polymineralic coating (composed of Fe oxides/hydroxides, Al-silicates, together with relatively coarse incorporated crystals such as anhedral potassium feldspar and idiomorphic hematite) on the quartz grain, which differ in their internal structure (Type A – an openwork and relatively thick outer layer; Type B – a thinner and finer layer adherent to the grain surface). The highly porous Type B polymineralic coating may by disordered or arranged as laminae, and may lie directly on the quartz grain surface or may be separated by a thin layer of opal (with lepispheres) or cryptocrystalline quartz, most likely of diagenetic origin. These quartz grains, even in the silt fraction are not monomineralic monocrystals: monomineralic polycrystalline and even polymineralic polycrystalline internal structures with visible primary and secondary defects were found. All these characteristics of a coated quartz grain (including the opal/cryptocrystalline rims), in addition to the direct palaeoenvironmental interpretations, most likely can affect the accuracy and precision of age estimation using the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) method; the rate of HF etching (hydrofluoric acid) is probably not uniform and isotropic as is assumed in OSL protocols.</p>2024-03-14T09:40:10+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Geological Quarterlyhttps://gq.pgi.gov.pl/article/view/33721Geomorphometric features and distribution of the loess covers in the Lublin Region2024-03-14T14:19:43+01:00Leszek Gawrysiakleszek.gawrysiak@mail.umcs.plRenata Kołodyńska-Gawrysiakleszek.gawrysiak@mail.umcs.plThe study presents a new, accurate map of the distribution of loess patches in eastern Poland, developed on the basis of publications, geological maps and a high-resolution (1 m) digital terrain model (DTM). Seventy-two lobes were mapped, for the surfaces of which basic morphometric characteristics (mean height, local relief, slope, slope range) were calculated based on the DTM. The morphology of the patches was portrayed via geomorphons-geomorphometric features representing 10 basic landform elements. A map of the geomorphons and their morphometric features were used to analyse the similarity of the patches’ morphology using Kendall’s Tau correlation and hierarchical clustering, represented by a dendrogram and heat map. As a result, 3 groups of patches with different morphometric features were distinguished. The results obtained characterize in detail the morphological differentiation of loess covers of eastern Poland and will form the basis for further studies determining the evolution of loess cover relief.<br /><br />2024-03-14T09:40:19+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Geological Quarterlyhttps://gq.pgi.gov.pl/article/view/33940Electrical resistivity tomography as a modern tool for identifying loess covers – case study the Magdalenian site Wilczyce 10 (Sandomierz Upland, Poland)2024-03-14T14:19:43+01:00Bogdan Żogałabogdan.zogala@us.edu.plPrzemysław Mroczekprzemyslaw.mroczek@mail.umcs.plMaria Łanczontmaria.lanczont@mail.umcs.plIwona Stan-Kłeczekiwona.stan-kleczek@us.edu.pl<p>This research utilizes electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) in geophysical surveys conducted in the vicinity of a Magdalenian (Upper Palaeolithic) site in Wilczyce, Poland, focusing on loess covers and their litho- and pedological formation in relation to bedrock. The study yields several key findings: ERT effectively determines the depth of the rock mass. In 100-meter profiles, four geological layers are identified, with strong correlations with borehole data for the top three layers. Longer 200-meter profiles reveal three significant geological layers but at a reduced resolution. High-resolution ERT sequences enable precise boundary delineation between layers, uncovering distinct palaeorelief and identifying large palaeo-cavities. Achieving reliable results requires well-designed research plans and the use of the Schlumberger-Wenner or gradient array. The study also confirms the continuity of the L1 loess cover, variable thickness (ranging from 5 to 15 meters), and lithological identification through electrical resistivity imaging. The presence of a wavy palaeosurface beneath the loess layer indicates past landscape undulations, offering insights into geomorphological evolution and soil transformations in the presence of the loess mantle. While interglacial palaeosol (S1) was reliably detected, identifying lower-ranked mid-loess palaeosols posed challenges, highlighting complexities in soil formation processes and limitations in discerning underdeveloped horizons with electrical resistivity profiling. The study specifically examines the sequence of loess-palaeosol S0-L1-S1, providing valuable insights into the geological and palaeoenvironmental context of the Late Magdalenian site.</p>2024-03-14T09:40:52+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Geological Quarterlyhttps://gq.pgi.gov.pl/article/view/33964Late Pleistocene malacofauna of (MIS-2–MIS-4) loess-palaeosol sequence in Zalesie near Przemyśl (southern Poland)2024-03-14T14:19:43+01:00Witold Paweł Alexandrowiczwpalex@agh.edu.plMaria Grażyna Łanczontmaria.lanczont@mail.umcs.plLithological and malacological analysis was carried out at the loess site in Zalesie near Przemyśl. The profile exposed here comprises a loess-palaeosol sequence L-1 and is correlated with the Pleniglacial (MIS-2–MIS-4) of the Weichselian glaciation. Three loess layers separated by interstadial palaeosols are recognised here. Within the two younger parts of the cover, corresponding to the younger middle loess (LMs) and the younger upper loess (LMg), and in the soil horizon (Gi/LMs) separating them, numerous mollusc shells were found. The diversity of the malacofauna allowed five types of faunal assemblages to be distinguished. The main faunal components in the younger middle loess were open-country species typical of the dry subarctic steppe. The interstadial palaeosol horizon developed on this loess was dominated by hygrophilous taxa characteristic of the subarctic tundra environment. The malacofauna of the youngest part of the loess bed (LMg) contained mainly mesophilous snails, indicating the presence of open but relatively humid biotopes. The profile in Zalesie belongs to a tiny group of loess sites in Poland with a complete malacological sequence preserved, covering both the younger upper and middle loesses and the palaeosol horizon separating them.2024-03-14T09:40:50+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Geological Quarterlyhttps://gq.pgi.gov.pl/article/view/33750Inside and outside a burial mound: when, how and in what environment were the kurgans built by Late Neolithic communities on the Subcarpathian loess plateau (SE Poland)?2024-03-14T14:19:43+01:00Maria Łanczontmaria.lanczont@mail.umcs.plJolanta Nogaj-Chachajmaria.lanczont@mail.umcs.plBogdan Żogałamaria.lanczont@mail.umcs.plMaryna Komarmaria.lanczont@mail.umcs.pl<p>The unique, well-preserved kurgan complex near Cieszacin Wielki (SE Poland) is a specific type of archaeological site with its own landscape form. This complex of prehistoric earth burial mounds, located on a wide, flat watershed hilltop with NW–SE orientation, belongs to a chain of similar forms found in the loess foreland of the Carpathians. The kurgans were probably built by Late Neolithic communities of the Corded Ware culture engaged in pastoralism with rotational grazing. Taking into account the need to preserve this valuable element of the cultural landscape and archaeological heritage in its original form, instead of by excavation that would irretrievably destroy the site, non-invasive and minimally invasive investigations were carried out at the Cieszacin Wielki site. The results of lithological, geochemical, palaeopedological and palynological analyses as well as combined geophysical prospection were used to examine the structure of the kurgans, and to reconstruct their original appearance and the natural palaeoenvironment in their surroundings. The time when the mounds were built was determined based on radiocarbon dating of organic material in the samples taken from boreholes made into them. The kurgans near Cieszacin Wielki are of different sizes and occur close to each other. The cover of the mounds consists of two layers. An inner dark layer contains humus material evidently indicating earlier human activity due to a high content of phosphorus. Radiocarbon dating shows that the material of this layer was formed about 4800–5300 cal BP, so it is a remnant of the Funnel Beaker cultural layer. Pollen analysis indicates that each mound was decorated with blooming birch twigs after the first stage of kurgan construction. This practice could have been an expression of magic and ritual ceremonies as well as being aimed at protecting the mound from erosion. Grooves around the circumference of the mounds marked their original extent. Subsequently, the whole mound was covered with pale loess material taken from a nearby pit. Geophysical investigations indicated the existence of several anomalies, differing in size and shape, inside the mounds. These represent burial chambers located at various depths both under and within each mound. Based on pollen analysis, we think that the kurgans were originally located not in open landscape but in a mid-forest clearing, in an area previously used by the people of the Funnel Beaker culture, probably for cattle grazing.</p>2024-03-14T09:40:16+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Geological Quarterlyhttps://gq.pgi.gov.pl/article/view/33851Prehistoric human influence on soil dynamics and slope transformation on the Subcarpathian Loess Plateau, southeastern Poland2024-03-14T14:19:48+01:00Piotr Gębicapgebica@ur.edu.pl<p><br />This study examines the impact of prehistoric human activities on the landscape of the Subcarpathian Loess Plateau, focusing on areas such as the Kańczuga Plateau in southeastern Poland. Through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates archaeological excavation, soil profile analysis, and geomorphological survey techniques, environmental changes are traced from the Neolithic through the early Middle Ages. A key aspect comprises various soil types, particularly chernozems and brown soils, which have been influenced by early agricultural practices like deforestation and land cultivation. The use of radiocarbon and Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating of soil profiles and archaeological sites provides insights into the timeline of human-induced erosional and depositional processes and deposits ranging in age from the Palaeolithic period to the early Middle Ages. The results highlight significant soil erosion and colluvial deposit formation, especially during periods of intensified agriculture. These changes in specific soil types underscore the substantial impact of human activities and climatic variations on land relief and soil cover in the Late Holocene. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of human-driven landscape alterations in loess areas, offering valuable insights for environmental management and conservation on the Kańczuga Plateau, in the Sandomierz Basin, and in other similar geomorphological settings.</p>2024-03-14T09:40:38+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Geological Quarterlyhttps://gq.pgi.gov.pl/article/view/33734Colluvial deposits in loess gullies of southwestern Poland as an indicator of palaeoenvironmental changes and human impact2024-03-14T14:19:48+01:00Kamila Ryznerka.ryzner@gmail.comPiotr Owczarekpiotr.owczarek@uwr.edu.plGrzegorz Porębagrzegorz.poreba@polsl.plPiotr Moskapiotr.moska@polsl.plZdzisław Jaryzdzislaw.jary@uwr.edu.pl<p> </p><div><p>Assessing the interactions between natural environmental change and land degradation due to human impact is crucial for palaeoenvironmental analysis in loess areas. However, the reconstruction of relief evolution in loess regions of SW Poland in relation to human impact of the first agrarian cultures, is not well understood by comparison with other loess areas in Poland. Therefore, our study aims to reconstruct land-use changes based on a palaeosol-bearing sedimentary sequence in a loess gully in this region. The research was conducted in the hilly region of SW Poland, where loess patches occur. To investigate prehistoric human impact in this area, we analysed dry valley systems near the village of Nowolesie, employing a combination of lithostratigraphic analysis and dating (radiocarbon and OSL) techniques. Within a 4.0 m-thick sedimentary succession filling the bottom of the gully, we identified loess-palaeosol sequences that represent a record of environmental changes during the Holocene. Our findings suggests that deforestation and dry valley transformation occurred during the Neolithic/early Bronze Age transition. Subsequently, erosional processes intensified during the Middle Ages. During this period, sediment dating to the Neolithic/Bronze Age was deposited in the upper parts of the gully and was later transported to the lower part of the main gully and redeposited in several episodes.</p></div>2024-03-14T09:40:23+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Geological Quarterlyhttps://gq.pgi.gov.pl/article/view/33648Pleistocene glaciations in southern Poland – a revision2024-03-14T14:19:48+01:00Leszek Marksleszek.marks@pgi.gov.plA revised stratigraphy the Lower and Middle Pleistocene in southern Poland is presented, based on geological evidence from key sites, better constraints on the number and age of Scandinavian ice sheet advances, and the stratigraphic setting of the interglacial sequences. Identification of the palaeomagnetic Brunhes/Matuyama boundary and an admixture of glacially derived material of northern provenance in fluvial deposits demonstrate that the oldest Scandinavian ice sheet advance (Nidanian Glaciation) in Poland and the first warming of the oldest interglacial (Podlasian) occurred in the late Early Pleistocene. The first ice sheet advance in the Oowiecim Basin is recorded by a till of the Nidanian Glaciation. A single till and its geological setting relative to deposits of the Podlasian and Ferdynandovian interglacials show that, contrary to previous opinions, the ice sheet advance of the early Middle Pleistocene Sanian 1 Glaciation was a single, the most extensive glacial event in the Sandomierz Basin and in western Ukraine. The Sanian 2 and the Odranian ice sheets were considerably less extensive in eastern Poland. The revised Pleistocene stratigraphy and palaeogeography of southern Poland is a significant step forward towards reliable correlation of the Polish climatostratigraphic units with the European stratigraphy2024-03-14T09:40:05+01:00Copyright (c) 2023 Geological Quarterly