The last 750 ka in loess–palaeosol sequences from northern France: environmental background and dating of the western European Palaeolithic

This study presents an overview of Middle Pleistocene loess–palaeosol sequences (LPS) in northern France and discusses the palaeoclimatic significance pedosedimentary record context western European LPS global climatic cycles for last 750 ka. In this area, oldest loess deposits (early Pleistocene) are preserved sedimentary traps (leeward scarps fluvial terraces dissolution sinkholes). They result from local deflation processes reworking sandy or relicts Tertiary sands. A large extension typical calcareous over landscape, Loess Revolution, is then observed during MIS 6, with heavy mineral assemblages testifying to long-distance transport polar desert area dried eastern Channel. correlation scheme proposed between records continental environments both other main LPS. After 30 years research, stand as a fundamental archive impact interglacial–glacial well millennial events. Finally, these works provide robust chronoclimatic framework Late Acheulean Palaeolithic relative dating various that they fossilise.