Environmental changes recorded by lacustrine sediments since Late Holocene in central Inner Mongolia

Based on a study of sedimentary features, grain sizes and pollen assemblages, the authors reconstructed a record of climatic and environmental changes in the past 1700 years for the Tengernur Lake in central Inner Mongolia. Some results have been obtained: From 1700 to 1170a, the climate was mainly warm and humid, and the water level of the lake was rising. From 1170 to 840a, the climate was arid and warm. From about 840 to 200 cal yr ago, a relatively warm and humid climate period existed, as evidenced by higher A/C ratios and finer grain sizes, and it was interrupted by a short cold and dry climate interval. Since 200a, the climate has been mainly warm and arid, with a tendency to dryness and coolness at the late stage.