Zur Gliederung der Holstein- und Saalezeit im östlichen Harzvorland

Abstract. A review is given on the results of researches which were undertaken in the Pleistocene of the eastern foot-hills of the Harz. A terrace could be detected where the gravels have been accumulated during a cold period in the Holstein stage. The main terraces of the rivers, corresponding in age to the early Saale stage, indicate two sedimentary cycles. Two sequences of loess can be correlated with the sedimentary cycles of the rivers; the loess is of equal constitution. An interstadial soil-formation can be observed in between both cycles. Maximum ice advance of the Saale glaciation came to an end at the eastern foot-hills of the Harz. This zone locally can be subdivided by minor movements of the ice sheet. A terrace and loess can be correlated with the Warthe glaciation. Inbetween both the Saale and the Warthe glaciation a temperate period caused formation of soils. The proposal is made to avoid terms like glacial and interglacial, when dealing with Pleistocene stratigraphy. In such a case only terms like Holstein stage, Saale stage etc. should be used.