Desertification and Related Climate Change in the Alashan Plateau since the Last 40 ka of the Last Glacial Period

Clues of climate change on the Alashan Plateau since last glacial period (40 ka) are important for revealing mechanism desertification middle-latitude deserts in Northern Hemisphere (NH). Studies still rare understanding specific relationship changes between and global. Based a systematic comparative analysis existing research China international academic community, this paper reviews environmental evolution history from records paleo-environment geomorphological characteristics different plateau (e.g., Badanjilin, Tenggeli, Wulanbuhe). From about 40 ka to end maximum, was wetter than it is today, Pleistocene, generally dry aeolian activities were enhanced. However, arid during whole Wulanbuhe Desert, evidently overall pattern plateau. The Tenggeli Desert characterized by an early Holocene. most controversial events drought middle Holocene Badanjilin Desert. role impact westerlies East Asian Summer Monsoon (EASM) systems desert even vexed question that brings views periods. There lack definite evidence representing global occurred discussed period. distinctive morphology dune mountains distribution sand dunes mutually indicative direction energy wind It suggested appropriate significant key these global-scale review change, modern-scale sandy landscapes related cold past ka.