Abstract

Several rock magnetic parameters have been demonstrated to be related to climate. The concept behind magnetic enhancement is that during soil formation, specific iron minerals are formed depending on soil properties, which depend on amongst others precipitation and temperature. In the mid-latitudes, mainly magnetite and maghemite are formed, and these minerals represent a proxy for ‘soil formation intensity’ in some regions, which is driven by i.a. precipitation. While most studies focus on Eurasian Chernozems due to their rather simple stratigraphy and formation processes, other soil types such as luvisols also show elevated magnetic properties in topsoils in relation to climate.

In this presentation, I will provide a short overview of the concept of using magnetic proxies for (paleo)climate studies. Further, first data from ongoing studies in Europe and India will be presented and discussed in a climate perspective. At this point magnetic properties of last interglacial soils appear clearly stronger than Holocene soil properties, suggesting a wetter than recent last interglacial.