Dating Pleistocene aeolian landforms in Hungary, Central Europe, using in situ produced cosmogenic 10BE

In the Western Pannonian Basin the widespread occurrence of ventifacts and large-scale deflation features indicate strong wind activity during the Quaternary. Pleistocene glaciations are probably the most important periods of wind erosion. However, age of the wind-polished rock surfaces exposed on different geomorphic horizons has remained unknown so far, although they can provide time constraints of landscape evolution. Measurements of 10Be concentrations along depth profiles of exposed wind-facetted rocks allow deriving local denudation rates of 3.46–3.88 m/Ma and exposure ages as old as 1.5 Ma. Regional denudation, which occurred mainly via deflation of the loose sediments, varies between 40 and 80 m/Ma. This study provides evidence that aeolian erosion in continental, periglacial areas of Central Europe played an important role in Quaternary landscape modification.

► Cosmogenic 10Be exposure ages of ventifacted rock surfaces in Central Europe are published. ► 10Be exposure ages are used to establish long-term rates of Quaternary wind erosion. ► Application of depth profiles allowed deriving denudation corrected exposure ages. ► 10Be exposure ages as old as 1.5 Ma were calculated. ► Regional denudation rates vary between 40 and 80 m/Ma.