Magnetic fabric (MF) investigations complemented by geochemical and grain surface analyses of the
understudied and controversial marine isotope stage (MIS) 5 b, 4 and 3 loess deposits in the Lower Volga
region, Russia show that the material has been transported and deposited by wind and to a large extent
experienced post-depositional reworking. Grain surface features suggest that the material was glacially
ground and fluvially transported prior to final aeolian deposition as loess. Secondary magnetic fabrics in
the loess reveal pedogenic and cryogenic processes and a generally cold environment with brief shifts to
warmer climate during late MIS 5 and MIS 3. Palaeowind reconstructions derived from preserved primary
aeolian MF, indicate locally influenced westerly and north-westerly flow as part of a wider scale
westerly wind pattern, similar to modern day winter conditions. We suggest that the climate of the last
glacial in the Northern Caspian Lowland was cold and dry, with higher windspeeds and less variability
during MIS 4 compared to MIS 3.
