摘要：Abstract
There are several competing hypotheses for the
origin of loess in Europe but quantitative evidence is still
rare. Here, Sr-Nd isotopic and bulk elemental composition
of loess from Marine Isotope Stages 2 and 3 from
three study regions in Central Europe – Nussloch (Germany),
Grub (Austria) and Tokaj (Hungary) - are analyzed.
This study aims at examining differences and similarities
of loess deposits throughout Europe, correlating loess
with potential source rocks from major mountain ranges
and comparing loess with floodplain sediments from main
rivers as integrated samples of the drainage areas. The results
show that European loess deposits are largely uniform
and that sediment sources have been rather stable
in the Southern and Eastern parts of Central Europe
and more variable in West Central Europe. However, the
methods used are not sufficient to unequivocally confirm
and reject potential sediment sources but, in combination,
help to identify the most likely sediment origins. While a
direct correlation of loess and potential source rocks is dif-
ficult, the comparison with floodplain sediments is most
promising and confirms previous hypotheses. Loess from
Tokaj and Grub is most likely a mix of material transported
by the Danube River and sediments from the surrounding
mountains. Rhine River sediments are probably the main
source of loess at Nussloch.
