Periglacial overlaying strata in the Bavarian Forest. Methods for their stratigraphic division and questions about their ecological significance

Character and stratigraphic division of the overlying strata of the Bavarian Forest are described. A special problem offers the identification of loess admixtures of local origin, which are mineralogical similar to other local substrata. The knowledge of the constitution of overlaying strata and the origin of material is of great importance to the pedogenetic interpretation and the ecological assessment of soil sites in subdued mountain areas. This is demonstrated by means of a special soil type, the humic Lockerbraunerde (loose brown earth), which formation is restricted to periglacial overlaying strata of certain altitudes. -from Author