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Hochrain Ralais
Achleithen
Hochrain
The Wachau remained free of ice
during the major glacial periods.
Persistent west winds deposited
massive layers of loess, above all on
the downwind eastern side, which
today provides the subsoil for Ried
Hochrain. Wachau loess drif ted in
above all during the most recent
glaciation, the Würm Ice Age, which
ended some 14,000 years ago.
Loess is especially characterised by
a high concentration of calcareous
silt, a grain-sized soil group between
sand and clay, handily redistributed
by the wind. Depending upon the
degree of decomposition present in
the loess, it will form soils of light to
medium density.