Quaternary Loess-Paleosol stratigraphy of Central Asia: Geochronology, correlation, and evolution of paleoenvironments

Loess-paleosol covers are widespread in Central Asia. The most complete loe ss-paleosol sections are situated in southern Tajikistan. By using biostrat igraphic and paleomagnetic records, we recognized the main stratigraphic un its of the upper Pliocene and Pleistocene in the sections. The thermolumine scence analysis and correlation of loess-paleosol successions to the oxygen isotope scale are used to obtain the refined loess-paleosol geochronology of Central Asia. Thorough measurements of magnetic susceptibility (kappa) o f paleosol and loess horizons revealed structural peculiarities of individu al soil beds. Data on climatic fluctuations inferred from the loess-paleoso l successions are in accordance with the oxygen isotope records. The loess sedimentation is shown to be closely related to the atmospheric circulation and synoptic phenomena.