The hematite–goethite enhancement model of loess and an ‘irregular’ case from Paks, Hungary

• Published in: Journal of quaternary science 2019-05, Vol.34 (4-5), p.299-308
• Main Authors: Bradák, B., Seto, Y., Csonka, D., Végh, T., Szeberényi, J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: acquisition of isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM); Glacial deposits; Glacial periods; Goethite; Hematite; Loess; loess–paleosol succession; Magnetic measurement; Magnetite; Paleoclimate; Paleosols; Sediments; Soils; temperature variation in magnetic susceptibility (kT)
• ISSN: 0267-8179; 1099-1417
• DOI: 10.1002/jqs.3101

On the basis of a key model of the appearance of hematite and goethite in some Chinese and European loess successions, paleosols generally contain higher proportions of hematite formed by pedogenic processes during warm and humid interglacials, while loess contains sedimentary goethite deposited during colder, glacial periods. Rock magnetic measurements were conducted on samples from Paks (Hungary) loess, revealing an anomalous case. Sediments were found to contain higher amounts of hematite and/or goethite, while the well‐developed paleosols were found to be lacking in hematite but had significant amounts of magnetite and maghemite. This observation demonstrates that the character of pedogenic magnetic mineral alteration and neoformation differs from the hematite/goethite model; the model is therefore not applicable to the Paks succession, possibly due to differences in the regional paleoclimate and pedogenic environment. The results indicate the existence of a further model, in which hematite formation is not significant in the course of pedogenesis.