Evolution of Holocene alluvial landscapes in the northeastern Songshan Region, Central China: Chronology, models and socio-economic impact

A recent suggestion of the existence an enormous ancient waterbody in Central China had been associated with intensifying water management that led to rise early states. However, evolution regional alluvial landscapes remains unclear. Through intensive geoarchaeological surveys and careful field examination typical sedimentary sequences, we reconstructed Late Pleistocene-Holocene northeastern Songshan Region identified three distinctive models landscape evolution. In loess hills tablelands areas, rivers were characterized by large-scale aggradation during terminal Pleistocene. Following a slight river incision Early Holocene, pronounced resumed throughout Middle Holocene. This gave way another episode downcutting The platform-type plains area witnessed similar process amplitude Holocene river-incision was smaller, whilst filled up valleys, which also formation buried terraces. eastern marked continuous alluvial-lacustrine from Pleistocene onwards. Many lakes, marshes wetlands formed aggradation. These waterbodies separated high-elevation landforms, creating mosaic-like aquatic landscape. supported mixed farming rice millets Neolithic Bronze Age. After 4000 BP, event incision, shrank, extensive drylands emerged east plains. change coincided emergence urban centers region.