Vegetation history and its links to climate change during the last 36 ka in arid Central Asia: Evidence from a loess-paleosol sequence in the Eastern Ili Valley

Detailed vegetation history response to complex influencing factors of arid Central Asia (ACA) is crucial understanding ecological sustainability. Here, we present the first pollen record in Ili Valley during Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) using Jirentai (JRT) loess-paleosol sequence. Combining results multi-climate proxies and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, aim reconstruct vegetative climate change last 36 ka. Our show that rapid loess accumulation JRT section began Late MIS3 (Marine isotope stage 3), a thin paleosol layer developed LGM Post Glacial. The concentrations are significantly lower than paleosol, but assemblages richer. Artemisia Asteraceae dominant non-arboreal types loess, abundant arboreal species (e.g., Pinus , Picea, Quercus, Betulaceae). percentage remains high typical drought-tolerant plants an important component Orthomorphic, Ephedra ). We suggest rich variety transported by frequent intense dust activities, these may come from regional vegetation. Less diverse respond surrounding section. obtained shows lowlands were desert or desert-steppe for past mountains dominated Picea forests. During Early LGM, conditions deteriorated both mountainous lowland. above phenomena coincide with records lakes ACA. further mountain forests reappear lowland environment improves increased insolation Northern Hemisphere at latitudes LGM. This point time earlier about 5–10 ka compared previous records. attribute it fact sequence more sensitive transition glacial interglacial propose simple model characterize them.