First described in the Rhine River valley around 1821, this material takes its name from a village in Alsace.
First described in the Rhine River valley around 1821, this material takes its name from a village in Alsace. Covering about 10 percent of the Earth's surface, its complex consists of intercalated strata of sediments, paleosols, sand layers and similar materials. Its beds lack internal stratification, and while root penetration and groundwater percolation can cause vertical cracking, it can retain vertical and even overhanging walls, as can be seen on a namesake Chinese plateau, where local inhabitants have excavated innumerable cellar-like dwellings out of it.  For 10 points, name blanket of sediment, usually yellowish in color, formed by the settling of fine-grained particles from dust clouds.
First described in the Rhine River valley around 1821, this material takes its name from a village in Alsace.
loess (LEHSS)