An introduction to aeolian dust dynamics recorded in the Stari Slankamen loess sequence (Vojvodina, Serbia) - Implications for past atmospheric circulation patterns of Eurasia

Loess sequences provide a direct proxy for the sedimentation dynamics of atmospheric dust, giving important information about the origin of the mineral aerosols and past palaeoclimatic conditions at that time of deposition. The conditions that determine the areas of origin, the transport and distribution of the aeolian material, are being accentuated by the dynamic process structures at the interface of the land surface and the atmosphere. Eventually this may allow the reconstruction of past atmospheric circulation patterns through high resolution loess investigations at different loess sites. The Stari Slankamen loess-palaeosol sequence is situated in the eastern part of the Srem Loess Plateau on the right bank of the Danube near by the river mouth of the Tisza into the Danube. Eight loess layers were distinguished, intercalated by nine pedocomplexes. The sequence under study has a total thickness of approximately 45 m. According to previous investigations the Stari Slankamen loess site is considered as one of the most important sections in the Pannonian basin. In this paper we present the first results of highly resolved grain size studies of the loess section Stari Slankamen. During fieldwork samples for grain size were taken at 2 cm intervals from the loess and the palaeosols, respectively. Particle size measurements of all samples were processed on a Beckman Coulter LS 13320 PIDS laser sizer with auto-prep station to provide a dynamic range that spans from 0.04 to 2000 µm and ensure accuracy and reproducibility. The granulometric results show distinct variations within the silt fraction and allow a clear distinction between cold and warm cycles. They show an important coherence between the type of dust sedimentation and the prevailing climate and offer insight into past atmospheric circulations of SE-Europe. Our results fundamentally contribute to a better understanding of interhemispheric teleconnections between Eurasian climate systems.