Age constraints on the late Quaternary evolution of Qinghai Lake, Tibetan Plateau

• Published in: Quaternary research Vol. 69; no. 2; pp. 316 - 325
• Main Authors: Madsen, David B., Haizhou, Ma, Rhode, David, Brantingham, P. Jeffrey, Forman, Steven L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, USA Cambridge University Press 01.03.2008; Elsevier Inc
• Subjects: Climate change; Freshwater; Late Quaternary; Qinghai Lake; Shoreline geomorphology; Tibetan Plateau; China, People's Rep., Xizang, Tibetan Plateau; China, People's Rep; China, People's Rep. Qinghai Prov., Qinghai L; Tibetan Plateau; Climate change; Qinghai Lake; Late Quaternary; Shoreline geomorphology
• ISSN: 0033-5894; 1096-0287
• DOI: 10.1016/j.yqres.2007.10.013

Dating and geomorphology of shoreline features in the Qinghai Lake basin of northwestern China suggest that, contrary to previous interpretations, the lake likely did not reach levels 66–140 m above modern within the past ∼ 90,000 yr. Maximum highstands of ∼ 20–66 m above modern probably date to Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5. MIS 3 highstands are undated and uncertain but may have been at or below post-glacial highs. The lake probably reached ∼ 3202–3206 m (+ 8–12 m) during the early Holocene but stayed below ∼ 3202 m after ∼ 8.4 ka. This shoreline history implies significantly different hydrologic balances in the Qinghai Lake basin before ∼ 90 ka and after ∼ 45 ka, possibly the result of a more expansive Asian monsoon in MIS 5.