Spatially variable provenance of the Chinese Loess Plateau

Abstract Loess sequences of the Chinese Plateau (CLP) compose one most complete Neogene–Quaternary terrestrial paleoclimatic archives. Understanding CLP's sediment sources is critical to tracing Asian aridification, atmospheric circulation patterns, and monsoon evolution. Commonly, sediments that Quaternary strata CLP are considered largely homogeneous, thus numerous studies have applied a uniform source model when attempting use CLP-derived proxies as paleoclimate indicators. Here we present large-n detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology data from CLP. These support spatial variability in provenance across At least three distinct zones recognized for loess strata: central western, eastern, northeastern. received primarily their neighboring river systems. This finding conflicts with classic views attribute principally deserts north west We conclude fluvial processes, precipitation, played an important previously underemphasized role dust production northern China. Furthermore, nonuniformity raises questions about validity using information archived make sweeping regional interpretations.