Reconstruction of Asian monsoon using compound-specific isotope signals of terrestrial an aquastic biomarkers in Tibetan lake systems "Western lakes"

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Gerd Gleixner
• Subject Area: Palaeontology
• Term: from 2011 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 207386350

This project is part of a joint multi-proxy research activity reconstructing the late Quaternary Monsoon dynamics on the Tibetan plateau. It uses stable isotopes (13C, 15N, 18O and D) to reconstruct the hydrology of individual lake systems and 14C to compare the timing of events in different lakes on the plateau. On the one hand δD values of aquatic and terrestrial biomarkers are applied to reconstruct monsoon intensity and climate, respectively. On the other hand compound-specific 14C values of terrestrial biomarkers will be used to establish an age sequence that is not affected by the variable reservoir effect of the lakes. Focal points of this proposal are (I) reconstructions from the Tangra Yumco and the Taro Co, which are the second and third study site of the joint research plan and (II) synthesis of our joint results over the whole Tibetan Plateau. In detail, we will work with existing short cores of the Tangra Yumco and Taro Co. We will participate in the retrieval of a long core at Tangra Yumco and collect necessary samples of plants, algae, soil and water for calibration studies. We will finally establish a valid age depth model that is not affected by the lake reservoir effect and analyse the long core. Based on all reconstructions of the joint research activity for the first time the development of the monsoon extent over the Tibetan plateau will be reconstructed.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1372: Tibetan Plateau: Formation - Climate - Ecosystems (TiP)
• International Connection: China
• Participating Person: Professor Dr. Yao Tandong