During the Pleistocene epoch, four major glacial phases were identified in the Alps. Which one of the following shows the correct chronological order of these glacial phases from the earliest to the latest?

Introduction / Context:
The Pleistocene epoch, often called the Ice Age, was marked by several major glacial advances and retreats in mid latitude regions. In European geography, especially in the Alps, four classical glacial stages are named Gunz, Mindel, Riss, and Wurm. Many competitive exams ask for the correct chronological sequence of these glaciations from oldest to youngest, making this a popular factual question in physical geography.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The glacial phases considered are Gunz, Mindel, Riss, and Wurm.
• We need the order in time from the earliest (oldest) glaciation to the latest (youngest).
• The names refer to Alpine river systems and are traditional labels used by geologists.
• We assume the standard ordering accepted in classical Alpine glacial chronology.

Concept / Approach:
Classical studies of Pleistocene glaciation in the Alps established four main glacial stages. In chronological order from oldest to youngest, they are Gunz, Mindel, Riss, and Wurm. This pattern is the one generally taught in geography textbooks and appears in exam questions exactly as a sequence. Any permutation that changes this order is incorrect. Therefore, the correct option must reproduce Gunz - Mindel - Riss - Wurm in that exact sequence.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the traditional Alpine glacial sequence is often memorised in order as Gunz, Mindel, Riss, and Wurm. Step 2: Check option Gunz - Mindel - Wurm - Riss. This places Wurm before Riss, which is wrong, because Wurm is the youngest glaciation. Step 3: Check option Gunz - Mindel - Riss - Wurm. This matches the remembered sequence from oldest to youngest. Step 4: Check option Wurm - Riss - Mindel - Gunz. This reverses the entire order and is clearly not from early to late. Step 5: Check option Mindel - Gunz - Riss - Wurm. This incorrectly places Mindel before Gunz, which contradicts the standard time order. Step 6: Conclude that the only correct chronological order from early to late is Gunz - Mindel - Riss - Wurm.

Verification / Alternative check:
Physical geography and geomorphology references for European glaciations consistently list the four major Alpine glacial periods in the order Gunz, Mindel, Riss, and Wurm. Wurm is described as the last or most recent glacial period, ending roughly ten thousand years ago and leading into the present interglacial (Holocene). Since Mindel is always mentioned after Gunz and before Riss, and Riss is always before Wurm, the sequence Gunz - Mindel - Riss - Wurm is confirmed as correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Gunz - Mindel - Wurm - Riss: This incorrectly puts Wurm before Riss and breaks the correct order.
• Wurm - Riss - Mindel - Gunz: This is essentially the reverse order from youngest to oldest, not the requested earliest to latest.
• Mindel - Gunz - Riss - Wurm: This wrongly places Mindel before Gunz, contradicting established glacial chronology.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners find it difficult to remember these foreign sounding names, and they may confuse the relative order of Riss and Wurm or Gunz and Mindel. Some students also forget whether Wurm is the first or last glaciation. A helpful tip is to memorise the sequence as a simple four word chain: Gunz, Mindel, Riss, Wurm, with Wurm as the youngest and Gunz as the oldest. Repeating this chain several times during revision can prevent mix ups in the exam.

Final Answer:
The correct chronological order of the Pleistocene Alpine glacial phases is Gunz - Mindel - Riss - Wurm from earliest to latest.