University of Utrecht, Institute of Earth Sciences, Budapestlaan 4, Box 80.021, 3508 TA, Utrecht, The Netherlands

The investigated area was subaerially exposed during the most recent (Weichselian) Pleistocene lowstand and glaciated during the previous (Saale/Illinoian) glacial period. Sea level was probably at a level comparable to that of the present during the intervening Eem/Sangamonian highstand.

The area's seismic signature is characterized by several levels of channelization, separated by major, area-wide high-amplitude reflectors. The lowermost aerial reflector represents the Saale boulder clay. The largest channel system, which cuts this reflector, was incised during the Older Dryas cooling event and filled during the Allerød warming period. It was subsequently re-incised during the Younger Dryas and refilled during the early Holocene. The most pronounced and extensive reflector represents the base of the Holocene, and almost everywhere equals the planed-off top of the Eem highstand section. This reflector is overlain by aggradational facies, separated by one level of channelization and one planed-off (ravinement?) surface. The most prominent type of seismic facies above the lowermost level of channelization is a set of progradational clinoforms, which is interpreted as a preserved ebb-tidal delta system. This system is associated with the first Holocene shoreline of ca. 7500 yrs BP.

The eastern part of the study area contains sand ridges with a complex pattern of internal cross-stratification. Ridge-crest sediments are very well-sorted with a mean grain size of 2.8-2.6 φ (ca. 0.15 mm), whereas sediments in the troughs are well-sorted with a mean grain size of 1.8-0.8 φ (0.25–0.5 mm). Origin of these ridges is tentatively thought to be related to reworking since 5000 yrs BP, when the dynamic regime was more or less similar to that of the present and sediment supply had decreased substantially.