The conditions for the use of snail shells from flood deposits are characterized. Snail s can spread up and/or down stream, but suitable flood deposits containing shells are usually found in the lowlands. Flood debris can contain shells of rare and subterranean species, occurring in a river environment in negligible numbers. Fossil shells in this material indicate nearby fossiliferous sediments. and Vojen Ložek, Lucie Juřičková.