Environmental changes in southeastern Europe over the last 450 ka: Magnetic and pedologic study of a loess-paleosol profile from Kaolinovo (Bulgaria)

Magnetic properties are sensitive paleoenvironmental proxies frequently used in studies of loess paleosol profiles. Understanding precisely the magnetic recording soil responses to environmental and climatic changes needs combining pedologic data geophysical proxies. Here we present a new high-resolution study 450 ka old loess-paleosol profile from low Danube area at Kaolinovo (NE Bulgaria). The consists Holocene S0 on top, three units (S1, S2, S3–S4) intercalated horizons L1 L4. Mineral rock together with pedological parameters (particle size distribution, total, crystalline amorphous iron, organic carbon, total nitrogen, cation exchange capacity, carbonate content) show systematic variations response changes. Principal component analyses carried out separately mineralogy, variables reveal complex – sediments source material climate. observed sharp shift coercivity mineral carriers depth third L3 marks change low-coercivity assemblages older higher last couplets (L1-S0, L2-S1, S2). This boundary is related both dust increased climate aridity. spikes concentration-dependent lowermost part particular signature oldest deposits (S3–S4 pedocomplex) suggest that it may result tephra additions studied sequence, tentatively correlated cryptotephra layers other terrestrial archives region like Tenaghi Philippon lake Ohrid sedimentary sequences. work demonstrated using PCA tool for studying significance objective inter-relationships multiple mineralogical, characteristics along profiles an exemplary approach revealing underlying processes.