North West European Rivers

6. SAALIAN (DRENTHE) / WOLSTONIAN STAGE (LATE MIDDLE PLEISTOCENE)

Map 6. Palaeogeography during the Saalian (Drenthe Substage) / Wolstonian glacial maximum (Marine Isotope Stage 6 or ?8).

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Glaciation in the Saalian Stage (Marine Isotope Stage?6 or 8) had comparable effects to those seen in the prevois Elsterian Glaciation, once again causing major drainage diversion and landscape remodelling. Major ice-pushed ridges in the Netherlands and Germany forced the Rhine to follow a more southerly course. After deglaciation the Elbe took up its present course through Hamburg.

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