Micromorphology of the loess-paleosol sequence of the last 130 ka in China and paleoclimatic events

The Late Quaternary loess-soil sequences in Xifeng, Luochuan and Weinan are studied to investigate the micromorphology of both loess and paleosols. Many features have clear climatic implications and may be used as indications for morpho-stratigraphic and climatic correlation. The temporal and spatial variations of these features allow us to define 16 climatic events for the last 130 ka, which are highly consistent with the variations in paleo-weathering intensity. Part of these events are attributable to the orbital forcing while others are more or less synchronous with the Heinrich events recorded in the North Atlantic Ocean. During the last events, the Loess Plateau was characterized by sparse vegetation cover and strong winds while the climatic conditions between these events were considerably humid, resulting in a significant steppe cover.