An evaluation of the Cromerian complex period of The Netherlands

Abstract

The Cromerian complex of The Netherlands is evaluated, based on available literature, published over the past forty years. Contrary to popular believe, the Cromerian complex of The Netherlands is not known in sufficient detail to allow a reliable reconstruction of the climatic development over this period. This is mainly due to the short sequences of sediments, as well as a lack of firmly established correlations and absolute dating. The original assumption that the Cromerian complex is a period with four interglacial and three glacial cycles is not reflected in the oxygen isotope stages. However, the boundaries of the Cromerian complex have been established correctly; Cromerian I can be correlated with OIS 21 and a final interglacial can be correlated with OIS 11.