Loess Grain-Size Data from Ostrau and Gleina Profiles in Saxony, Germany

212 samples from the Ostrau profile and 269 samples from the Gleina profile were collected between 2009 and 2010 for grain-size analysis. The data consists of 4,853 raw granulometric measurement files, prepared and measured at the GFZ in Potsdam using a laser scattering particle size analyzer. This dataset was compiled by Sascha Meszner of Technische Universität Dresden, with samples selected in 2015 from late Pleistocene loess-paleosol sequences.

Use Cases

• Modeling sediment transport and deposition processes based on grain-size distributions.
• Reconstructing past environmental conditions mentioned in the description using high-resolution loess-paleosol sequences.
• Calibrating or validating end-member modeling analyses referenced in the associated master thesis.
• Studying methodological effects on measurements based on the described sample separation techniques (with/without separator).

Strengths

• Includes 4,853 individual measurement files providing raw granulometric data.
• Samples have precise depth metadata (e.g., O_55_oT for Ostrau at 55 cm depth).
• Measurement methodology is described in detail, including the use of a Retch Laser Scattering Particle Size Distribution Analyzer.
• Data is linked to published profile graphs via provided depth correlation files.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

Technische Universität Dresden

Collection Method

Samples were taken from loess profiles, treated with HCl and H2O2, and measured with a laser scattering particle size analyzer.

Time Range

Samples collected between 2009 and 2010, with data selection in 2015.

Geography

Saxony, Germany (Saxonian-Loess-Region), specifically the Ostrau and Gleina profiles.