Palaeomagnetic and rock magnetic properties of loess-palaeosols sequences in Belgium

Palaeomagnetic investigation of several sections in the loess cover of Belgium proves that they contain a stable remanent magnetization reflecting ancient field behaviour. Reversed magnetozones could not be detected so far indicating that the examined sections belong to the Brunhes Chron. Also short-term reversals seem not to be present and large directional deviations can be attributed to frost wedging, solifluction and other periglacial activities. In contrast with Central and Eastern Europe and Asia, soil magnetic enhancement is absent except for the humic soil horizon overlying the Rocourt soil. The strong magnetic properties in this horizon revealed in Tongrinne and Rocourt are mainly due to the presence of minerals of volcanic origin.