Effective Moisture Evolution since the Last Glacial Maximum Revealed by a Loess Record from the Westerlies-Dominated Ili Basin, NW China

Moisture variation is extremely relevant for the stability of ecosystems in Central Asia (CA). Therefore, moisture evolution and its potential driving mechanism over region are always a hot research topic. Although much effort has been devoted to understanding processes evolutions CA during Quaternary, particularly Holocene, associated underlying mechanisms remain state persistent debate. In this study, granulometry, clay mineral chroma properties loess section (named ZSP section) westerlies-dominated Ili Basin, NW China investigated. With accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon dating (AMS 14C)-based Bayesian age–depth model, we provide sensitive record effective since last glacial maximum (LGM) basin, results help enhance possible westerly climate change. Comparisons mineralogy indices shows that study area involved Northern Hemisphere dust cycle as source, content <2 μm grain size fraction can thereby be used reflect westerlies’ intensity. After deducting complicated influencing factors lightness changes throughout section, calibrated adopted indicate regional moisture. Our findings show relatively abundant LGM middle–late with dry conditions deglaciation early Holocene. We argue intensity was main factor Basin LGM. Local source evaporation intra-annual control time westerlies exerted minor influence on changes.