The provenance of Danubian loess

With one of the largest watersheds in Europe, draining complex geological terrains within Alps, Bohemian Massif, Carpathians, Dinarides, and Balkan Mountains, Danube River valley has long been linked to formation thick loess deposits, particularly Middle Lower basins. However, uncertainty over provenance loess-palaeosol sequences along impacts our understanding sediment generation mechanisms hinders interpretation paleoenvironmental proxies preserved loess. To date, most studies investigating Europe have not attempted a standardised characterisation synthesis deposits with potential source rocks. Further, despite clear links identified between rivers Asia detrital zircons yet used systematically investigate relationship fluvial sediments its tributaries. Finally, European research, fingerprinting often conducted using indirect approaches or bulk sample geochemical analyses, which shown limited application well mixed sedimentary bodies such as This study integrates existing zircon U-Pb ages Hf datasets for loess, rivers, bedrock, new results from Croatia, Serbia Bulgaria. The show that all surrounding mountain belts (i.e. Dinarides Mountains) contribute primary via modern tributary network. Critically sources remain relatively homogenous river, no apparent major change confluence, further highlighting role transport homogenising prior final aeolian deposition. Whilst some small site variations can be observed, they are likely explained by contributions restricted very local rock outcrops. Moreover, geomorphological support floodplain proximal suggest short-distance dominates delivery sequences, challenging distant hypotheses Saharan sources. identification sourced lower elevation regions Balkans, did ice-caps, suggests glacial action silt-size production previously exaggerated. Therefore, desert division inadequately separates describes processes. research supports furthers previous work, “mountain transported by-rivers” more appropriate term particles forming at least basin.