Formation of Ulan Buh Desert and Its Environmental Evolution
乌兰布和沙漠的形成与环境变化

Extensive investigation and studies on topography,sedimentary and chronology show new evidences for formation and evolution of Ulan Buh desert during early Holocene.Proved by evidences on clay-sand strata and plant roots under inter-dune lowlands,lake shorelines covered by plenty of Corbicula largillierti,and large amounts of dry salt lakes in the central region of Ulan Buh desert,many megalakes ever existed in the hinterland of Ulan Buh desert.Several OSL samples collected from aeolian sands overlying lacustrine sediments in profiles around Jrentai salt lake and inter-dune lowlands in the southern Ulan Buh desert suggest that the desert began around 7 ka BP.The formation of Ulan Buh desert may be resulted from the shrinking of Jrentai megalake and sands blew from exposed loose sediments.