NEW DATA ON THE DISTRIBUTION AND STRATIGRAPHY OF THE BOTTOM DEPOSITS OF LAKE PEIPSI, EASTERN ESTONIA

Abstract

The bottom sediments of Lake Peipsi, eastern Estonia, were investigated. Earlier obtained continuous seismic reflection profiling data is compared with the coring data. Generally good accordance is found, with minor discrepancies in the southern part of the investigated area. A map of the distribution and thickness of Holocene organic lake deposits is presented. Water level during the Lake Small Peipsi stage at the end of the Younger Dryas was at least 10 m lower than at present (30 m a.s.l.), as recorded from the sediment record and pollen analyses. The Preboreal Lake Peipsi is characterized by the accumulation of calcareous deposits, ostracod evidence in which point to a shallow and cold body of water with a slow lake level rise.