Holocene environmental change and archaeology, Yangtze River Valley, China: Review and prospects

• DOI: 10.1016/j.gsf.2012.02.006
• Publication Date: 2012-03-28T04:20:10Z
• Authors: Li Wu; Feng Li; Cheng Zhu; Lan Li; Bing Li
• Keywords: Environmental change; Stalagmite; East Asian Monsoon; Chronology

Holocene environmental change and archaeology are important components of an international project studying the human-earth interaction system. This paper reviews progress research in Yangtze River Valley over last three decades, that includes evolution large freshwater lakes, transgression sea-level changes, climate East Asian monsoon variation, relationship between rise fall primitive civilizations cultural interruptions palaeoflood events, as well origin agriculture change. These underpinned by dating lacustrine sediments, stalagmites peat to establish a chronology regional evolution. Interdisciplinary other environment proxy indicators need be used comparative studies archaeological site formation natural sedimentary upper, middle lower reaches Valley. Modern technology such remote sensing, molecular bioarchaeology, virtual reality, should integrated with currently dating, geochemical, sedimentological, palaeobotanical methods analysis macro- micro-studies, so provide greater comprehensive insight into area.