Dust accumulation increased significantly in Tarim Basin

A recent study focused on the Tarim Basin in western China has revealed significant changes in dust accumulation during the Glacial-Holocene transition, between 15,000 and 8,000 years ago. Researchers used advanced dating techniques to analyze a loess profile, finding that dust flux increased nearly tenfold during the Younger Dryas cold period. The study indicates that this increase in dust was linked to a stagnation of the westerly jet stream over the region. This stagnation likely influenced both local dust deposition and broader climatic patterns across Asia and beyond. These findings enhance understanding of climatic shifts in the Tarim Basin, an area previously lacking detailed climatic records. The research highlights the connection between dust dynamics and atmospheric circulation changes during a critical period in Earth's history.