Palynological Evidence of Late Pleistocene Soft-sediment Deformation Event in the Northeastern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau

The northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau is the youngest part of the Tibetan Plateau where tectonic activity is intense and climate change is complex.In this study,combined with field investigations,we explored accelerator mass spectrometry 14C and optically stimulated luminescence dating and palynological analysis of the sedimentary sequence in the Qingshuihe Basin to explain the origin of soft-sediment deformation layer.Dating and palynological results from the Sanchahe section in the basin revealed a detailed history of vegetation variation and associated climate change from~18 to~5 ka BP.The results indicate that the permafrost developed at~18–11.7 ka BP,and the soft-sediment deformation structures formed at~11.7–5 ka BP.Together with the characteristics of the deformation(meter-scale,continuous symmetrical wave)and paleoclimate,we suggest that the soft-sediment deformation layer in the late Pleistocene was cryoturbated under climatic conditions.The discovery of a series of cryoturbations in the Qingshuihe Basin has further enriched the regional distribution of periglacial phenomena in the west of the Ordos Plateau,expanded the distribution range of periglacial phenomena,and provided evidence for exploring the temporal and spatial changes in permafrost in northern China at the end of the late Pleistocene.

Late Pleistocene aeolian activity in Haitan Island, Southeast China: Insights from optically stimulated luminescence dating of coastal dunes on marine terraces

The 'Old Red Sand' is a type of semicemented medium-fine sandy sediment that is red(10R_4/8) or brown red(2.5YR_4/8) in colour and is found in late Quaternary deposits. The sediments have distinctive characteristics and are a critical archive for understanding climatic changes in the coastal areas of East Asia. The ages of the late Quaternary aeolian sand dunes from Haitan Island in the coastal area of South China are still in debate. In this study, three sets of marine terraces were identified in the northern region of Haitan Island. Aeolian dune sands are well preserved on the top of these terraces. Quartz Optically Stimulated Luminescence dating and the distribution of the formation ages demonstrated that the palaeo-dunes are deposits from the middle-late period of the Late Pleistocene(Q_3^(2-3)). The period may be divided into three stages, 100-90 ka, 70-60 ka, and 40-20 ka, in which the palaeo-dunes of the first two stages are more widespread and were formed separately during a low-sea level period of the Marine Isotope Stages 5 b and 4. Several depositional palaeo-flood event records were preserved during the last stage due to the increasing gradient of mountain gullies formed during the Last Glacial Maximum.

Late Pleistocene environmental information on the Diexi paleo-dammed lake of the upper Minjiang River in the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, China

In 1999, Diexi paleo-dammed lake(2349 m a.s.l.) was discovered around Diexi town along the Minjiang River in Sichuan province. Diexi is located where the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau and the Sichuan Basin meet. The dammed lake was formed during the Last Glacial Maximum of the Late Pleistocene(~30,000 years ago) and began to empty about 15,000 years ago. The lacustrine sediments(up to 240 m thick) preserve abundant paleoenvironment information. In this paper, a mass of oxygen isotopes and 14 C dating from drilled cores are analyzed and discussed. The δ18 O curve on the paleo climate from this section is comparable with the coeval paleo climatic curves of ice cores and karsts in China and others. Furthermore, the physical model testing has confirmed that the disturbed zones in the core are caused by strong earthquakes occurred at least 10 times, which implies strong crustal deformation, as an important driving force, affecting climate change. This study provides a new window to observe East Asian monsoon formation, paleoenvironmental evolution and the global climate change.

Transgressive Events since the Late Pleistocene in the Yellow River Delta: Grain-size Distribution and Palynological Results

This study deals with the relationship between sea-level changes and paleoclimatic fluctuations based on the analysis of stratigraphy, grain sizes, palynology, and radiometric dating of the Yellow River delta since the Late Pleistocene. Evidence from the sedimentary record, grain sizes, and pollen provides a paleoenvironmental history of the Late Pleistocene from the boreholes of the delta. Based on a combination of grain-size analysis with lithological studies, marine deposit units contain the intervals of 13.85–16.9, 18.5–19.69, 27.9–34.8, 36.4–37.2, 48.4–51.6, and 54.1–55.9 m, and transitional facies units contain the intervals of 10.25–13.85, 16.9–18.5, 19.69–27.9, 34.8–36.4, 37.2–48.4, 51.6–54.1, and 55.9–60 m, compared with fluvial(terrestrial facies) deposit units(3.36–10.25 m). Based on pollen analysis and pollen assemblages, there were three warm-wet periods from 9.1–0.16 ka BP, 16.1–60 ka BP, and 90.1–94.6 ka BP From the top to the bottom of the borehole, the paleoclimate has an evident fluctuation: warm and moist(Holocene Optimum) —cool and dry(Younger Dryas Event)—mild semi cool—cool and dry—warm and moist. There were three warm-wet periods from 9.1–0.16 ka BP, 16.1–60 ka BP, and 90.1–94.6 ka BP, corresponding to the Holocene Optimum stage, MIS 3, and MIS 5, respectively. The warm period allowed monsoonal evergreen and broadleaved deciduous forests that corresponded to Holocene hypsithermal climatic conditions and the Late Pleistocene climatic Optimum. Three warm-wet periods occurred in marine deposit units from 9.1–0.16 ka BP, 60.1–16.1 ka BP, and 94.6–90.1 ka BP. These periods correspond to the Cangzhou transgression, Xianxian transgression, and Huanghua transgression, respectively. From 90.1–60.1 ka BP, 17.5–9.1 ka BP, and 0. 16 ka BP–1855 AD, three dry and cold phases are recognized. The phases indicate the fluvial(flood plain) sedimentary environment, corresponding to cooler and mild dry periods based on palynological results and grain-size distribution.

East Asian summer monsoon changes in subtropical China since late Pleistocene:Evidence from the Ailuropoda-Stegodon fauna

Previous studies on the amplitude of East Asian summer monsoon(EASM)changes mainly focused on northern China(represented by the Loess Plateau).However,a rare investigation centered on the subtropical zone of southern China,where the important route for EASM moved northward or southward,especially addressing a lack of the research on mammals.The Ailuropoda-Stegodon fauna is a representative mammal fauna in southern China since the late Pleistocene.It indicates the southern mid-subtropicaltropical forest environment with tropical climate characteristics,and its southward or northward movements in the subtropical zone imply the changes of EASM intensity.Based on previous research,combined with the species characteristics and distribution range of the Ailuropoda-Stegodon fauna with tropical animals during the marine isotope stage 5(MIS5),MIS3,MIS2,and MIS1 Megathermal periods,this paper mainly investigates its evolution and the fluctuations of EASM.The conclusions include:(1)The distribution geometric centers in the MIS5,MIS3,MIS2,and MIS1 Megathermal periods are(26°14′N,111°22′E),(24°35′N,107°30′E),(22°48′N,112°01′E),and(26°19′N,112°25′E),respectively.(2)Compared with the MIS5 period,the EASM of the MIS3 and MIS2 moved 180 km and 380 km southwards,and that of the MIS1 Megathermal period moved about 10 km northwards.The EASM movement indicated by the fauna migration happened synchronous with the climate records of stalagmites in subtropical China,the sporopollen from eastern China,and oxygen isotopes from Sulu Sea.They also correspond to the peaks and valleys of the total solar radiation at 35°N in the winter half-year.This suggests that the migrations of the Ailuropoda-Stegodon fauna are consistent with the changes of the global climate,and the driving force is mainly from the changes of total solar radiation at 35°N in the winter half-year.

Fossil Human Humerus of Late Pleistocene from the Taiwan Straits

A highly petrified human right humerus was salvaged from the Taiwan Straits. The large and robust humerus has a well developed deltoid tuberosity that causes the obvious flexion at mid shaft. The axes of the upper and lower parts of the shaft are not on the same line and make an angle of 6 5°. This is considered a primitive trait different from that of Neolithic and modern humans, suggesting that the humerus is at the same evolutionary stage as "Minatogawa Man" from Japan and "Obercassel Man" from Germany. Coexistent fossil mammals indicate that the fossil humerus is late Late Pleistocene.

The Discovery of Late Pleistocene Daliuchong Volcanic Conduit in th Tengchong Volcanic Field

Objective The Tengchong volcanic field is situated along the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau and adjacent to the border area of western Yunnan Province of China and Myanmar.Affected by the intense tectonic stress of subduction of the Indian plate to Eurasian plate,this volcanic field has experienced strong volcanism。

Late Pleistocene Climatic Changes in Central Brazil Indicated by Freshwater Sponges

The Cemitério Palaeolake deposit in Catalao, Goiás State, Brazil, comprises a single, complete lacustrine sequence, dated from less than 27,500 ± 4000 yr B.P. to more than 51,780 ± 400 14C yr B.P. The unprecedented presence of spongillite and diatomite layers in this deposit was investigated using spicules of continental sponges as proxy data for environmental and climate reconstruction, which was relatively extensive for the ages examined. From the analysis of the sedimentary features and the associations of spicules preserved in the deposit, it was possible to reconstruct the evolution of the limnic system. Five developmental stages were thus identified, corresponding to the installation (lotic and erosion phase), establishment and development of the lake and its colmatation, the latter correlating to the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Moreover, based on the ecological requirements of the sponge species identified in the deposit, it was possible to infer the likely weather patterns related to respective phases of the lake. The presence of the sponge species Corvoheteromeyenia australis, presently recorded only from southern South America, indicated that polar incursions originating from the Antarctic were frequent during the last glacial period and might have played a notable role in what is now central Brazil. However, for a short time, drier and hotter weather conditions might have predominated, as suggested by the presence of the species Corvomeyenia thumi.

Biogeochemistry of sedimentary organic matter in the Yongjiang River estuary in the southern part of Hangzhou Bay,China,since the Late Pleistocene

A sediment core(YJK19-02)collected from the southern outlet of Hangzhou Bay near the Yongjiang River estuary in East China was analyzed for grain size,lignin,bulk elemental composition,stable carbon isotope,and rare earth elements(REEs)to determine the sources and diagenesis of sedimentary organic matter(OM)of the estuary and adjacent areas since the Late Pleistocene.δ^(13)C values(-24.80‰–-23.60‰),total organic carbon/total nitrogen(TOC/TN)molar ratios(8.00–12.14),and light rare earth element/heavy rare earth element ratios(LREE/HREE=8.34–8.91)revealed the predominance of terrestrial sources of OM,mainly from the Changjiang(Yangtze)River.The lignin parameters of syringyl/vanillyl(S/V=0.20–0.73)and cinnamyl/vanillyl(C/V=0.03–0.19)ratios indicate the predominance of nonwoody angiosperms,and the vanillic acid/vanillin ratios[(Ad/Al)_(V)=0.32–1.57]indicate medium to high degrees of lignin degradation.An increasing trend ofΛ(total lignin in mg/100-mg OC)values from ca.14500 a BP to ca.11000 a BP reflected the increase in temperature during the Late Pleistocene.However,a time lag effect of temperature on vegetation abundance was also revealed.The relatively higher and stableΛvalues correspond to the higher temperature during the mid-Holocene from ca.8500 a BP to ca.4500 a BP.Λvalues decreased from ca.4000 a BP to the present,corresponding to historical temperature fluctuations during this time.Our results show that the vegetation abundance in the Yongjiang River Basin since the Late Pleistocene was related to the temperature fluctuation duo to climate change.

Late Pleistocene spore-pollen record and climatic change at the Chongphadae Cave Site,Democratic People's Republic of Korea

We present a detailed pollen record and interpretations of late Pleistocene climatic change at the Chongphadae Cave Site, Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The mean annual paleotemperature and mean annual paleoprecipitation of the site were calculated using the temperature index and precipitation index based on ecological features and geographical distribution of each taxon. Temperature index and precipitation index range from 8.8℃ to 10.4℃ and from 805.0 mm to 963.1 mm, respectively. Four dates(radiocarbon, uranium series, fission track, and paleomagnetic excursion dating) of the deposit profile investigated yield a range of ~21.3 ka BP to ~117 ka BP, geochronologically corresponding to the late Pleistocene, and extend from the last interglacial highstand through the Last Glacial Maximum. Our results are thus consistent with the climatic shift from interglacial to glacial conditions, provide evidence that the environments of the region, which was reconstructed from the paleoclimatic index, changed from a mild and humid to a cool and dry climate during the late Pleistocene, and suggest trends similar to those of several parts of the Northern Hemisphere which lie in the same latitudinal zone as our study area.

Technology diffusion and population migration reflected in blade technologies in northern China in the Late Pleistocene

In recent years, the origin and evolution of modern human behaviors have become a common topic of research in Paleolithic archaeology. One important part of modern human behavior, blade technology, was once thought to be unique to modern humans. Recent studies have suggested that variations in blade technology do not fully correspond to modern populations. However, the standardization, diversity, discontinuity in terms of time distribution, and differences in spatial distribution of blade technology give it an important role in discussions of modes of adaptation, diffusion of technology, and population migration of hominins. By categorizing the major blade assemblages in China, we show that there were two blade reduction methods in northern China: the Levallois method and the prismatic method. Dating back 40000–30000 years, the Levallois and prismatic blade method combined to form the characteristics of the early stage of the Upper Paleolithic. Artifacts bearing such characteristics are located in Northwest China, Northeast China, and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The unearthed blades are similar in technological organization and are connected geographically with those discovered in Siberia and Mongolia, which also indicates a distinct border from those discovered in northern China. This fact is suggestive of population immigration. About 29000–25000 years ago, a combination of prismatic blades and microblades was developed in the hinterland of China; however whether it can be regarded as the representative of population migration or only a technological adaption remains undetermined. We suggest that the system of production of different blades should be distinguished in the study of blade assemblages and that different blade methods should not be integrated into a single technical system to discuss technology diffusion and population dispersal.

The broad-spectrum adaptations of hominins in the later period of Late Pleistocene of China—Perspectives from the zooarchaeological studies

During the climatic fluctuations in the late Late Pleistocene, hominins in China had experienced some significant changes and adaptations in terms of subsistence strategies. Based on the zooarchaeological analyses of the faunal remains from the Shuidougou site of North China and the Ma'anshan site of South China, the present study demonstratively indicates that the broad-spectrum diet and its closely-related resource intensification for hominins were already at their places roughly at 33–35 cal ka BP. Compared to hominins of earlier period, who would have preferentially exploited large and medium-sized ungulates, hunter-gathers at later period had otherwise incorporated more small-sized animals(especially the quick ones, such as birds and hares) into their diet. Meanwhile, hominins of the later time had also greatly accelerated extractions and exploitations of the nutritional yields from the large and medium-sized animals. However, it seems clear from the current study that there was significant difference regarding the potential mechanisms for the broad-spectrum adaptations of hominins in the late Late Pleistocene of China.

Geomorphological Evolution and Palaeoenvironmental Change in the Western Alashan Plateau, China

Although neotectonic activity is considered to be the main factor of the terrain evolution of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau and its surrounding high-altitude areas,further geomorphological analysis and literature analysis are needed for the understanding of the geomorphic evolution and the Quaternary environment change of the western area of the Alxa Plateau near the northern Tibet Plateau.The purpose of this study is to investigate the distribution of site-specific geomorphic units of the landforms developed in the vast topography of Ejina Basin(Western Alxa),in order to identify the geostructural and climatic causes of the geomorphic landscape and its impact on the change of paleoenvironment.At present,the climate and hydrological conditions in Ejina are relatively monotonous and stable.In addition to tectonic dynamic factors,the most widely distributed landform in the basin is climate landform.There are both geomorphological and sedimentological anomalies of Aeolian landforms occurred in the whole basin,indicating that the underlying surface effect(retention effect)of river(Ejina River)and its related uneven ground and weak wind erosion(deflation)process in the nearby area may be the important factors controlling the formation of Ejina dunes,rather than the arid climate.It is believed that the extensive interaction between the aeolian and fluvial processes is the main mechanism of the regional geomorphic difference in Ejina Basin.According to the comparability of regional geomorphology and sedimentology,the period of the formation of relic geomorphology in the edge of Ejina Basin can be reasonably attributed to the local glacial maximum of the last glacial.The geomorphic transformation from quasi plain and desert valley to desert plain,the appearance of widely moving sand dunes and the presence of large ancient lake geomorphology all indicate that the drought index of Ejina Basin is increasing on the scale of geomorphic formation.Paleogeomorphological and chronological evidences show that the climatic and hydrological conditions of the basin in the last glacial period and the early Holocene are much better than those at present.For example,the average annual precipitation in the area before 39-23ka BP is between 60-350 mm(about 36 mm today),but there are large waves in the Holocene.The coexistence of various climates and landforms in Ejina Basin and the resulting geomorphic diversity should be the composite result of various geomorphic processes and surface processes besides glaciation.The low aridity(relative humidity)in the Ejina Region in the late Pleistocene may be the result of the enhancement of the westerly rain belt and the weakening of the Asian Winter Monsoon in the arid region of Central Asia.

Palynoflora and climatic dynamics of the Laizhou Bay of Bohai Sea,North China Plain,since the late middle Pleistocene

The coastal plain of Laizhou Bay in Bohai Sea is a transitional area of land-sea interaction.Sediments in this area can bear significant information of sea-level fluctuation,climate change,as well as regional geological setting.Here,in this study,new sporopollen data from three boreholes(GK138,GK111 and GK95)in the coastal plain of Laizhou Bay,Bohai Sea were investigated,and the pollen spectrum since the late middle Pleistocene was established as six sporopollen assemblage zones(Ⅰ-Ⅵ),i.e.,Pinus-Quercus-Artemisia,Gramineae-Artemisia-Chenopodiaceae,Picea-Pinus-QuercusArtemisia,Picea-Pinus-Betula-Gramineae-Artemisia,Picea-Pinus-Cupressaceae-Chenopodiaceae and Pinus-Quercus-Gramineae-Artemisia-Chenopodiaceae.Combining with existing sedimentary successions and detailed radiocarbon dating results of the sediments from the three boreholes,paleovegetation and climatic evolution since the late middle Pleistocene were reconstructed.The findings revealed that climatic changes in this area since the late middle Pleistocene were characterized by alternating cold-arid and warmhumid conditions,which were well correlated with marine isotopic stages(MIS).The present study offers specific insight into the climatic dynamics in the North China Plain since the late middle Pleistocene and provides evidence of a clear link among the palynoflora in the area,the glacial-interglacial period climatedriven sea-level changes,and the marineδ^(18)O records.

Sea-level changes controlled detrital sediment inputs to the Bicol Shelf in the western Philippine Sea since 150 ka

Detrital sediments derived from the Philippine Islands are one of the main sources of deep-sea sediments in the western Philippine Sea.However,systematic research on their characteristics and transport mechanisms are lacking.We used parametric end-member analysis to quantitatively partition the grain size of detrital sediments in core MD06-3052 from the Bicol Shelf in the western Philippine Sea;three endmembers EMI,EM2,and EM3,whose respective modes were at 2,10,and 45 μm,were separated.We also measured the Sr and Nd isotopic compositions of different size fractions(<4 and >20 μm) of the detrital sediments and the results showed that the detrital sediments mainly originate from the Philippine Islands.Components EMI and EM2 are transported to the Bicol Shelf mainly by surface and bottom currents from the islands,and component EM3 is delivered by gravity flow from the exposed shelf during low sea-level stands.The content of the total detrital fraction and the three end-members,as well as the mass accumulation rates(MARs) of the coarse detritus(EM2 and EM3),were considerably higher during glacial periods(40-14 ka and 150-130 ka) than during other intervals;the glacials corresponded to a low sea level,while the MAR of the fine detritus(EMI) did not increase remarkably during 40-14 ka.We therefore concluded that the input of coarse detritus to the Bicol Shelf from the islands was mainly controlled by sea-level change.Variations of the input of fine-grained detritus(EM1) was influenced not only by sea level but also by ocean currents and regional precipitation.Overall,our results help understand "source-to-sink" processes in the western Pacific marginal seas and their response to global change.

Phytolith evidence for human-plant subsistence in Yahuai Cave(Guangxi, South China) over the past 30000 years

South China preserves a rich archaeological record elucidating the evolution of early modern humans during the Late Pleistocene.However,few studies on plant utilization were conducted in this region.We used phytolith analysis from Yahuai Cave,Guangxi,to infer human use of plant resources over the past 30000 years.AMS 14C dating was used to constrain the chronological framework.Results indicate that several economically essential species were present throughout the sequence including Urticineae(cf.Ulmus sp.),which appears in the lower layers of the sequence(Marine Isotope Stage 3 through Heinrich 1);bamboo and palm which appear throughout the sequence,and wild rice which appears in a clear archaeological context dating to 16000 years ago.This is the earliest record of wild rice in South China and a prerequisite for rice domestication.The unique stone tool assemblages,which resemble those in north China as opposed to South China,point to the possibility that humans,seeking refuge from the colder north,brought their tool kit with them and utilized familiar northern taxa.Warmer South China would have served as a refuge for human populations escaping the cold,harsh climate in the north with more ameliorate conditions in the south.

Metapodials of ancient bison(Bison priscus)of northeast Russia:“stress markers,”sex and withers height

A total of 175 metapodials(MP)of Pleistocene and early Holocene bison(Bison priscus Boj.)from the vast area of northeast Russia were studied.MP were attributed to males and females both visually and statistically.Data on the withers height of bison from northeast Russia are provided.Stress markers were recorded,including so-called“buttresses.”With rare exceptions,stress markers were not of a pathological nature.The origin and de­velopment of the buttresses are age-related;their prevalence in bison females can be considered as the response to an increased load during pregnancy.Changes in the periosteum,found in males,are related to their great­er activity.Buttresses are also well developed on metatarsals of the red deer and the elk;they are less developed in reindeer and not found in giant deer.A relationship among stress markers,locomotion and the environment is established.Possible peculiarities of the Rauchua River bison locomotion are discussed.