Palaeoenvironmental changes in the central part of theTaklamakan Desert, northwestern China sincethe late Pleistocene

The Taklamakan Desert, with an area of 337600 km2 and located in the Tarim Basin southern Xinjiang, is largest sand sea mid-latitudes on Earth. Previous understanding about palaeoclimate this vast arid landscape was mostly deciphered from loess sequences found surrounding mountains, while only a few in situ investigations were carried out. In light advances optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating techniques during last decades, reconstructing palaeoenvironmental changes via studying aeolian sands interior seas can now be achieved by careful observations field application improved protocols OSL methods. We used new multiple-aliquot regenerative-dose (MAR) protocol carefully selected preheat conditions 230°C for 10 s to date all samples which are distinctly younger than upper age limit procedure, confirming that our chronology scientifically robust. This paper reveals facies chronologies nine sedimentary sections showing interactions between fluvial, lacustrine (including slack-water) processes central part Taklamakan. At present sites these undergoing processes. The occurrences fluvial sediments indicate many parts shaped rivers inundated water long durations past. initiations occurrence lakes show some cyclicity according ages. Our interpretations different supported data palaeoclimatic proxies including color, grain sizes magnetic susceptibility. collectively suggest three moist periods occurred Sand Sea since late Pleistocene, i.e., ~70–50 ka (1 = 1000 years before 2010 CE), glacial glaciation (~17?11 ka) Holocene (~5–2 ka). During periods, wetlands like channels, slack-waters) Taklamakan, lower reaches Keriya Andier Rivers side River. timing Desert concurred intervals when global temperatures shifted cold warm stages. Thus we deduce wetter likely associated increased runoffs flowing into desert headwaters mountains. amount dependent regional precipitation more importantly melting snow glaciers headwater regions. Palaeoclimatic simulations moistures transported mainly mid-latitude westerlies both Glacial Maximum Mid-Holocene. It southward shift due intensifying Arctic Oscillation resulted orographic precipitations mountains Desert. conclude increase transitional allowed development provided resources prosperity early civilizations China. features driving factors Quaternary those middle eastern portions belt northern China where fluctuations largely triggered monsoon system.