ABSTRACT
Various criteria have been applied to develop a stratigraphical scheme for the glacial and nonglacial deposits. Stratigraphically complex sections have been encountered particularly in areas where there are thick sequences of Pleistocene deposits. It is instructive to compare the position of Pleistocene stratotypes with the thickness of the Quaternary sediments. The local stratigraphical scheme for the Pleistocene deposits in Latvia is based upon the recognition of formations, each encompassing units of either glacial, interglacial or periglacial commonly ‘mega-interstadial’ deposits. The terrestrial Middle Pleistocene deposition begins with the interglacial Pulvernieki Formation and is followed by the glacigenic Kurzeme Group. The marine equivalents of Middle Pleistocene age are the Akmenrags and Jurkalne Formations of the Ulmale Group, and the Vlrve Beds. The Upper Pleistocene begins with the deposition of the inter-glacial Felicianova Formation, followed by the periglacial and glacigenic deposits of the Baltija Group.
