Magnetic and paleomagnetic investigations of loess: Some problems

The application of magnetic susceptibility and paleomagnetic methods to the study of loess deposits is analyzed. The new view on the use of magnetic susceptibility measurements for paleoclimatic reconstructions and identification of the exact position of the Matuyama-Brunhes geomagnetic polarity boundary in loess-soil sequences is proposed. It is shown that the magnetic susceptibility is of limited value for paleoclimatic interpretations and geological correlation of loess-soil outcrops, and its interpretation should be specially substantiated in each concrete case.