Spatially variable provenance of the Chinese Loess Plateau

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

Automated summary

The loess sequences of the Chinese Loess Plateau provide a comprehensive paleoclimatic archive for the Neogene-Quaternary period. Geochronology data reveal spatial variability in sediment provenance across the plateau, with at least three distinct provenance zones recognized. This challenges the traditional view that attributes Quaternary loess primarily to deserts north and west of the plateau, suggesting a more significant role of fluvial processes and precipitation in dust production. The nonuniformity in sediment provenance raises questions about the validity of using CLP-derived paleoclimate information for regional interpretations.