To obtain a better understanding of groundwater flow in Early Pleistocene fluvial sediments a detailed study into sedimentary stratification has been carried out at Maalbeek-quarry near Belfeld. These sediments are mainly deposited by the Rhine-Meuse river system. In this quarry three different lithostratigraphic formations have been studied: Tegelen Formation, Kedichem Formation and Sterksel Formation. A formation is usually, but not invariably, bounded by a distinct change in lithological properties of the bodiesand its upper and lower boundaries. Tegelen Formation (2,2-1,6 Ma B.P.) almost completely consists of heavy clay deposited in backswamps adjacent to natural levees from meandering river systems (nett degradation). This clay is a valuable base material for the (inter)national ceramics industry. As a result of climatic cycles the composition of this formation sometimes varies. To vertical groundwater flow the Tegelen Formation is almost impermeable. Kedichem Formation (1,6-0,8 Ma B.P.) is composed of strongly wheathered, fine, almost white coloured sands deposited by braided river systems (nett aggradation). Kedichem Formation is often eroded by braided rivers depositing thick layers of sandy and gravelly sediments. These sediments make up Sterksel Formation (0,8-0,5 Ma B.P.). This formation is highly permeable to groundwater flow, though it is tricky to predict accurate flowpatterns as a result of a complex, heterogenous stratification.

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Grondboor & Hamer

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Nederlandse Geologische Vereniging

R. Lapperre. (1995). Pleistocene rivierafzettingen in de groeve Maalbeek. Grondboor & Hamer, 49(5), 107–112.