ABSTRACT
In the extraglacial area, the Elsterian sequence begins with a phase of intensive gravel accumulation, the period during which the main part of the ‘Early Elsterian Terrace’ was deposited. The Elsterian was the most extensive of all the glaciations in central Germany. The early glacial period of the Saalian, i.e. the period between the end of the Holsteinian Stage and the first Saalian ice advance, is characterised in central Germany by extensive valley widening and by intense accumulation of fluvial gravels. Several ice advances are known from the Saalian Glaciation. In the Leipziger Bucht and adjoining areas two major ice advances occurred from the Saalian. During the first or Zeitz Phase, the Saalian ice sheet reached its maximum extent; it went at least as far south as Altenburg-Zeitz. Cryogenically induced brown coal diapirs are a widespread phenomenon. They reach heights of up to 50 m, but average 5-20 m high.
