Observations on the Kaiserstuhl loess

Summary Examination of Kaiserstuhl loess material by scanning electron microscopy reveals fine material adhering to the major particles, fracture features, carbonate overgrowths and signs of particle weathering; all of which appear typical of loess material. The carbonate overgrowths included discrete rhombic crystals, which are possibly dolomite. Alpine and Northern glaciers could have provided fine quartz material for the Kaiserstuhl loess; an Alpine source seems more likely, with perhaps some fluvial transportation involved.