Age and source of colluvial sediments at Vaihingen–Enz, Germany

Colluvial sediments accumulated on the lower slopes of a ridge as a result of past and present soil erosion were dated by optical, 14C and archaeological methods. This allowed us to reconstruct the depositional history of the colluvium and also to identify temporary sedimentary sinks in its transportational pathway. A cascade-model of colluvium formation is developed. Colluvial sediments resulting from early soil erosion in the Neolithic to Iron age periods were mainly deposited on the upper slopes. Significant deposition on the lower slope occurred for the first time during the Iron age and Roman period. Since then deposition rates have increased because of more intensive land use.