The loess deposits of Buca Dei Corvi section (Central Italy): Revisited.

Loess deposits have been described in the past for the upper section of Buca Dei Corvi succession (Central Italy). In this paper the deposits were re-analysed to clarify the depositional environment and to attempt a paleoclimate reconstruction. Two radiocarbon dates on pedogenic carbonate constrain the ages to the Late Glacial, and are consistent with previous OSL dating of the top of the succession. The non-marine mollusc assemblage shows typical character of cold and dry climatic conditions, testified by strong oligotypical composition. Mineralogy and geochemistry of the sediments indicate the abundant presence of exotic quartz mineral which can be explained only by wind transport. Probably, wind transport was also responsible of deposition of carbonate which then dissolved and re-precipitated producing pedogenic concretions. Stable isotopes ( 13 C/ 12 C and 18 O/ 16 O ratios) of the concretions are consistent with a climate drier than present conditions, with an environment characterized by sparse vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]