Report on the colloquium on Pre-Würm Periglacial phenomena held in Liège from 9 to 12 June 1959

Abstract

Article in French.

ORIGINAL TITLE: Compte rendu du Colloque sur le Periglaciaire prewurmien tenu a Liège du 9 au 12 juin 1959

The paper presents a report on the international colloquium devoted to pre-Würm periglacial phenomena, held in Liège from 9 to 12 June 1959, with the participation of specialists from nine countries. The main objective of the meeting was to compare research results, methods, and interpretations concerning the oldest periglacial processes, which are much less well recognized than those associated with the last glaciation. The sessions included papers on Pleistocene stratigraphy, the number of European glaciations, periglacial features in various regions of Europe and North Africa, aeolian processes, and solifluction deposits. An important part of the colloquium consisted of two field excursions in the Namur and Liège regions, allowing direct observation and discussion of periglacial structures. In the final discussions, the participants emphasized the scientific value of small, specialized meetings and the growing importance of ancient periglacial phenomena for determining the lower boundary of the Pleistocene. The colloquium was recognized as a significant milestone in the development of periglacial research.