Fluvial system evolution and environmental changes during the Holocene in the Mue valley (Western France)

International audienceGeomorphological and palaeoenvironmental research on Holocene sedimentation in the Mue valley provides evidence for fluvial system changes related to climate and human activities in Normandy, a poorly studied area of the Paris basin. The 24-km long valley bottom has been investigated through a systematic survey. It shows an original longitudinal sedimentary pattern in relation with valley morphology and local geological controls. Minerogenic, tufaceous and peaty deposits provide opportunities for multi-proxy analyses and radiocarbon dating control. Sedimentation began around 9500 14C BP with silt deposition in a meandering system. The Boreal and the Lower Atlantic periods (8500–6000 14C BP) were mainly characterized by unlithified calcareous tufa. Locally, these deposits are very thick (7 to 13 m). The tufa formed barrages across the valley bottom, providing an autogenic control on upstream sedimentation. During the Upper Atlantic period (6000–4700 14C BP), the valley experienced a decrease in calcareous sedimentation and the development of organic deposits. At the beginning of the Subboreal (4700–3500 14C BP), peat deposits expanded, especially behind the tufa barrages. The valley bottom was characterized by large marshy areas whereas the regional vegetation was progressively modified by human activities. At the end of the Subboreal (3300–3000 14C BP) the infilling of the valley by calcareous silt was caused by an increase of river activity related to climatic and land use changes. From the Iron Age and Gallo-Roman periods (2800–1700 14C BP), the valley bottom was filled by silty overbank deposits related to an increase of soil erosion. The slopes and river system were once again coupled and the fluvial system functioned as a continuum from upstream to downstream. The alluvial record of the Mue valley reflects a broad regional pattern of environmental changes but presents particular features, which highlight the need of longitudinal studies to take into account spatial and temporal discontinuities of Holocene hydro-sedimentary systems, even in small order valleys