In‐Situ Silt Generation in the Taklimakan Desert Evidenced by Uranium Isotopes

Understanding the mechanism of dust generation is critical for evaluating global cycles nutrient elements and interpreting paleorecords derived from aeolian deposits. Here, we use a novel geochemical tracer, 234U/238U activity ratio that reveals particle comminution age, Sr-Nd isotopes to investigate how silt-sized particles are produced in Taklimakan Desert, major source region having effects on ecosystems. Based results 20- 25-μm size fractions, find approximately 40% Desert silts 30% flux area by in-situ desert processes (e.g., abrasion). The materials mainly sourced eastern Kunlun Shan unlikely be Chinese Loess Plateau. Our findings demonstrate importance producing particles, providing new insights into cycle.