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The main research task was to explain the location of the Kraków Spadzista Gravettian site, based on the analyses of land relief and deposit lithology in the surroundings. Field geological (drilling and pit) investigations, geoelectric recognition, tachimetric geomorphological measurements, and geospatial analysis (GIS) were carried out in the site and its immediate vicinity. These investigations were supplemented with the IRSL dating of the cultural layer deposits, palaeosols, and loess. The obtained results indicate that the site was located in a depression of the karstified substratum (Jurassic limestones) filled with clay (Miocene) and loess (Pleistocene). Based on the results of geological and geophysical investigations, we reconstructed the palaeoform parameters, characterized its infilling, and documented spatial lithological variability of the deposits and the cultural layer. Gravettian material was discovered in two partially destroyed palaeosols. The lower one is a denuded initial interstadial soil, and the upper one is a complex solifluction cover composed of redeposited material, probably from a younger interstadial soil. Both units represent the younger part of the Interpleniglacial. The upper soil is buried by the continuous youngest loess layer, which covers the area of the archaeological site, completely covering the older relief. The eastern part of the Sowiniec horst, where the site's complex is situated, had a number of features useful for Palaeolithic settlement. It is a clearly distinguishable promontory, difficult to access almost from all sides. At the same time, it provided a good view for hunters, especially towards the Rudawa River valley. Features of mesoclimate, conditioned by relief, favoured the settlement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many papers different authors was described problem of systematic underestimation of TL ages for sediments older then 100 ka. We presented the results which probably are not significantly rejuvenated. This is another example of the TL dates made in Lublin laboratory which are likely in agreement with the stratigraphic interpretation. In 2002 Kusiak et al. published the TL ages ranging from 200 to 800 ka for the Zahvizdja loess profile in Ukraine. These first promising results of TL dating of so old deposits encouraged us to undertake further studies. In next years were discovered other Ukrainian loess profiles with the Middle and Lower Pleistocene deposits, among others in the Skala Podils'ka, Mamalyha and Vendychany sites. The thermoluminescence dating made for these profiles in the Lublin laboratory gave the next, after Zahvizdja, series of 15 TL ages ranging from 200 to 700 ka. This way we confirmed the possibility of TL dating of the deposits older than 400 ka BP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although debris, loams and clays are usually regarded as typical cave sediments, loess and loess-like sediments are common among clastic cave deposits in the near-entrance facies of caves and rock shelters. Late Weichselian loess layers are very common in caves from the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland and were recognized in almost each excavated cave and rock shelter. These layers were initially dated to the LGM (Last Glacial Maximum), but new chronometric dating results are available that allow us to present a more detailed scheme of the geological age of the series. This paper evaluates the significance of Polish in-cave loess layers as correlative horizons. We present the lateral and vertical stratigraphy and lithological variability of cave loesses and their usefulness as lithostratigraphic markers. These features are especially important for archeology and paleontology, as cave sediments, including loess, are usually the carriers of archeological and paleontological material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The terrestrial deposit sequence of the Skala Podil''ska site in the Middle Dniester area provides high-resolution records of the older part of the Quaternary. The profile represents a unique environment of sedimentation on the undulated palaeosurface of the Podolian plateau, characterized by relatively weak intensity of loess accumulation processes, and relatively strong intensity of post-deposition processes (pedogenesis and erosion). The Skala Podil''ska succession contains fluvial, paludal–fluvial, and loess sediments, the latter with seven well-developed interglacial palaeosols which were studied in catenas. The palaeoenvironmental information is based on the results of multi-proxy studies. Based on palaeomagnetic (the MBB, the Blake event) and palaeobiologic evidence, a regional chronological scheme was made. The stratigraphic division of the Skala Podil''ska profile is tentatively correlated with the main stratigraphic units of the pre-Pleistocene and Pleistocene in Ukraine, Poland, and Western Europe. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]