Holocene geomorphological processes and soil development as indicator for environmental change around Karakorum, Upper Orkhon Valley (Central Mongolia)

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)

LEHMKUHL, F.

Dep. of Geography, RWTH Univ., Aachen, Allemagne

HILGERS, A.

Inst. for Geography, Univ., Cologne, Allemagne

FRIES, S.

Dep. of Geography, RWTH Univ., Aachen, Allemagne

HÜLLE, D.

Inst. for Geography, Univ., Cologne, Allemagne

SCHLÜTZ, F.

Dep. of Palynology and Climate Dynamics, Univ., Göttingen, Allemagne

Dep. of Geography, Free Univ., Berlin, Allemagne

SHUMILOVSKIKH, L.

Dep. of Palynology and Climate Dynamics, Univ., Göttingen, Allemagne

FELAUER, T.

Dep. of Geography, RWTH Univ., Aachen, Allemagne

PROTZE, J.

Dep. of Geography, RWTH Univ., Aachen, Allemagne

Description :
Mantles of silt- and sand-size particles including paleosols were used to reconstruct the landscape history in the upper Orkhon Valley close to the former capitals of the Uighurs (Kharbalgasin Tuur) and the Mongolian Empire (Karakorum) near the recent town of Kharkhorin, Central Mongolia. A holistic approach involving the use of high spatial resolution geomorphological mapping, sedimentological and geochemical analysis, palynology, and geochronology shows several phases of landscape activity and stability in the region. The overgrazing of cattle, to supply the growing population demands of the Uighurs and Mongols, caused an increase in erosion and the formation and deepening of fluvial gullies, together with soil deflation and subsequent deposition of aeolian sediments. Human activity, in addition to climate, has been dominant in driving landscape evolution of this region since the late Holocene.

Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Catena (Giessen), issn : 0341-8162, 2011, vol. 87, n°. 1, p. 31-44, nombre de pages : 14, Références bibliographiques : 1,5 P.

Date :
2011

Editeur :
Pays édition : Allemagne, Cremlingen-Destedt, Catena

Langue :
Anglais