Der erste Fund von Kieselgur in Schleswig—Holstein bei Brokenlande, südlich von Neumünster (Mit einem Beitrag zur Biostratigraphe des „Saale-Spätglazials“)

Abstract. Pollenanalytical studies of diatomaceous earth (Kieselgur) discovered for the first time in Schleswig-Holstein (south of Neumünster) indicate a firm Eemian Interglacial date. The small layer of earth was deposited in an early-formed, groove-like bottom depression of the southern third of a glacial basin during the Saale Glacial. The bottom of the basin consists mainly of ice-folded clays, with dislodged slices of sand, underlain by boulder-clay. In one case analysis of boulders from this clay suggested the Drenthe Glacial. The basin is filled up with well-bedded silty clays and clayey silts. Pollenanalysis of the lower basin sediments under the "Kieselgur" does not indicate the presence of any significant vegetation cover at that time. They could be true glacial sediments. Higher layers were deposited during the "Late Saale Glacial" and covered by the Early Eemian muds which preceded the sedimentation of the Eemian diatomaceous earth. Overlying beds are Weichsel Age sands of the "Neumünster Sander". The interest and value of this section lies in the apparent complete representation of the Late Saale Glacial, a fact which allows the succession of different vegetation covers to be traced. From the floristic point of view, there seems to have been considerable analogy with the Older Dryas Age of the later Weichsel Glacial. In spite of this it is clear that the development of the vegetation proceeded without significant reverses or interstadial pauses. Three periods may be distinguished: A) An oldest, treeless period probably belonging to the "Pleniglacial". B) An interval when copses of sea-buckthorn flourished in association with a low, light-needing vegetation cover. C) A second period of copses of sea-buckthorn but this time with juniper in addition. This last period was followed by a stage in which the birchtree flourished representing the first part of the Eemian Interglacial. The present studies, linked to those that have been made by the Geologisches Landesamt in Schleswig-Holstein over the past few years, have led to a comprehensive knowledge of the main characteristics of the historical development of the vegetation in the area from the Late Saale to the Early Weichsel Glacial.