Recent  

Glacial trimlines are visible breaks in vegetation or landforms that mark the former extent of glaciers. They are often observed as faint lines running across valley sides and are useful for mapping the three-dimensional shape of former glaciers or for assessing by how much present-day glaciers have thinned and retreated. Here we present the first application of a new trimline classification scheme to a case study location in central western Spitsbergen, Svalbard.

Charcoals and leaf waxes from vegetation accumulate in the soil and provide information about past vegetation because they are mostly resistant against physical and biological degradation. Analyzing and comparing ratios of both element types helped us to improve the evidence for vegetation reconstruction. We found that the accumulation processes and preservation of these elements depend on different environmental conditions at forest- and steppe-dominated sites in the Mongolian forest–steppe.

Comparing quartz optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and fine-grain post-infrared infrared stimulated luminescence (pIRIR) ages, agreement was largely found, e.g. the bracketing of the L1SS1 pedocomplex to ca. 30–40 ka. Nevertheless some age differences between the Bayreuth (OSL) and the Gliwice (pIRIR) data invite further discussion. Exact dating using various protocols and grain sizes remains challenging, in particular for a periglacial environment with strong heterogeneity of material.

Calcareous tufa comprises carbonated rocks typical of relatively wet and warm conditions. Part of its chemical composition depends on the intensity of temperature and humidity conditions. Its distribution over time and chemistry can thus be used to recognise and compare interglacial and interstadial (warm and wet) periods as done here in Morocco and southern Spain. Such information allows better understanding of our current interglacial and the impact of climate changes on environments.