Why is loess important to study?
Loess deposits contain valuable records of paleoclimates, or climates of the past. This task seeks understanding of the paleoclimatic role of loess deposits, which cover approximately 10% of the Earth’s surface. Loess deposits can yield valuable information about past wind direction, past wind strength, moisture balance, and degree and type of vegetation cover. In between loess deposits, we often find ancient, buried soils that mark periods when loess was not being deposited. These buried soils, called paleosols, provide valuable information about past climate and vegetation.
