«Lee slope rule» and distribution of eolian mantle deposits at the surface of forested terraces

Abstract

Distribution of eolian sands and loess deposits at forested terraces according to the «lee slope rule» can be accounted for by action of prevailing winds which crossed the valleys. The forested terraces orientation, eolian forms pattern and trend of eolian particles size had been correlated with present-day eolian processes and prevailing winds, the comparison revealed .the Middle Volga ancient (Late Pleistocene) eolian mantle being formed by winter winds of the south-western quaters. Thus foci of deflation and sources of loess silt were situated at the lee eroded slopes of river valleys as well as at lake (sea) coasts. The pattern of mantle deposits (which is determined by position of deflation foci and the transition from eolian sands to loess deposits) controls the existing features of soil and landscape conditions within the areas of the deposits.