Consistent long-term Holocene warming trend at different elevations in the Altai Mountains in arid central Asia

Recent results indicate contrasting Holocene moisture histories at different elevations in arid central Asia (ACA). However, relatively little is known about Holocene temperature changes at different elevations. Here we report an independently dated peat brGDGTs-based MBT'(5ME) record from the Narenxia peatland (NRX) in the southern Altai Mountains. The record suggests a long-term warming trend since similar to 7.7 cal. kyrbp, with a warmer stage during similar to 7-5.5 cal. kyrbp, a cold stage during similar to 5.5-4 cal. kyrbp, and a warming trend over the last similar to 4 kyr. The long-term warming trend indicated by the NRX MBT'(5ME) record is largely consistent with Holocene temperature records from nearby sites covering an altitudinal range of similar to 1700-4100 m above sea level. This consistent long-term warming trend at different elevations differs from the long-term Holocene drying/wetting trends at high/low elevations of the Altai Mountains. We propose that the warming trend and consequent permafrost thawing at high elevations could have resulted in increased meltwater runoff, which would have contributed to the long-term wetting trend at low elevations. Our findings potentially provide an improved understanding of regional climate change and associated water resource availability, with implications for their possible future status. Copyright (c) 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.