4.1.2.4. Brabant Member

Authors: Gullentops et al., 2001.

Description: The member starts with the Nagelbeek Tongued Horizon (NTH), a typical cryoturbated horizon found across all the Belgian loess belt (Gullentops, 1954; Haesaerts et al., 1981, 1997; Van Vliet-Lanoë, 1992). The NTH is covered by calcareous powdery loess, slightly cohesive when dry. The top of the member is strongly decalcified and weathered by the Holocene Luvisol. The decalcification limit is often very sharp. The Brabant Member presents a widespread plateau facies (Kesselt sub-member), characterised by unstratified homogeneous loess, and a slope facies (Obrecheuil (2) sub-member), observed in Maisières-Canal (Haine Basin) and characterised by a mixing of loess, slope deposits (loam) and sandy deposits from a lateral tributary of the Haine river (Haesaerts, 1974, 2004; Haesaerts & de Heinzelin, 1979).

Stratotype: Kesselt (Nelissen brickyard quarry; 50°50'13''N / 5°37'12''E).

Paratypeat:

- Eben-Emael (western and eastern walls of the CBR chalk quarry at Romont, respectively at 50°47'27''N / 5°38'37''E and 50°47'08''N / 5°39'27''E);

- Harmignies (Omya Benelux chalk quarry and CBR chalk quarry; respectively at 50°25'08''N / 4°00'35''E and 50°25'13''N / 4°00'56''E);

- Maisières (north-eastern bank of the Canal du Centre; 50°27'30''N / 3°59'30''E).

Area: Middle Belgium, on plateau and slopes.

Age: Upper Pleistocene - upper part of Weichselian late pleniglacial (upper part of MIS 2).

Remarks: Former " Brabantian ", defined by Gullentops (1954) after a term introduced in 1899 by Rutot. Later renamed Brabant Member (Gullentops et al., 2001).

(1) Harveng is a village south-west of Harmignies.

(2) The Obrecheuil is a tributary of the Haine river not far from Maisières.