Periglaziale deckschichten in Mittelgebirgen - ein offenes forschungsfeld

Periglacial slope deposits are widespread in Central European Highlands. They cover the underlying hard rock almost continuously with varying thickness up to several meters. Being chronostratigraphic equivalents of fluvial gravel terraces these deposits were accumulated during the Wisconsin (Würm, Weichsel) ice age. Distinct stratigraphic units can be observed. This paper in an introduction in the genesis, properties and significance of the periglacial slope deposits to form the base for the following four papers that focus on selected research acivities. Periglacial slope deposits are the parent material in which the soil formation took place during the late glacial and the holocene period. Without such slope deposits soils on the hard rocks would not have developed more than shallow profiles (A-C-horizon-profiles). The hydrological and landscape ecological properties of the multi-layered deposits vary from region to region.