Late Pleistocene Paleoclimate Oscillations in the Northeast Tarim Basin: Insights from Multi-Proxy Lacustrine Sediment Analysis (72-51 ka B.P.)

Abstract

This study elucidates the high-resolution paleoclimatic oscillations within the northeastern Tarim Basin during the Late Pleistocene epoch, specifically spanning from 72~51 ka B.P. . A multi-proxy analytical approach was employed, with Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating utilized to establish the chronological framework of the LX02 sedimentary sequence. Subsequent analyses encompassed grain size distribution, clay mineral assemblages, geochemical constituents, and pollen spectra to decipher the paleoenvironmental dynamics. Our findings reveal a cyclical transition between cold-dry and warm-humid climatic conditions, with particular emphasis on three distinct intervals: 72.4-66.8 ka B.P. characterized by cold-dry conditions, 66.8-56.1 ka B.P. marked by a warm-humid interval, and 56.1-51.0 ka B.P. reverting to cold-dry conditions. These paleoclimatic patterns are congruent with regional environmental records, indicative of the complex interplay between various climatic systems throughout geological time. This research enhances our understanding of the paleoclimatic narrative in the Xinjiang region, underscoring the imperative for further investigation into the internal driving mechanisms of climate change.