ABSTRACT
Effective understanding of Pleistocene stratigraphy in terms of palaeo-climatic units is dependent upon systematic interpretation of geomorphic features. Comparative interpretation can be successfully applied to most Pleistocene sediments and the following discussion of sediments commonly found in the subtropical zone is based upon personal study in two distinct climatic provinces: the modern Mediterranean littoral climate (Csa) studied in a subhumid and semiarid variety (Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, respectively), and the modern winter-rain desert climate (BWhs) studied in the arid zone of Egypt. Pleistocene sediments transported and laid down by more or less channelled watercourses are frequent throughout the subtropical arid and semiarid zones. A thorough investigation of contemporary and Pleistocene processes of the lower latitudes must be the object of many qualified specialists in different areas. Although continental dunes do adjoin coastal aeolianite fields in some areas, the former are generally a quite distinct feature in arid zones.
