Combining end-member analysis of sediment grain-size and outcrop studies to interpret ancient aeolian sediments: Upper Cretaceous Tangbian Formation, Jitai Basin, China
Shi, Y., Wu, Ch., Meng, L., Huang, L., Yang, J., Yi, H., Li, Z., Rodríguez-López, J.P. (2025) Combining end-member analysis of sediment grain-size and outcrop studies to interpret ancient aeolian sediments: Upper Cretaceous Tangbian Formation, Jitai Basin, China. Sedimentology, (in press) https://doi.org/10.1111/sed.70025
Investigating fluvial–aeolian interaction processes in semi-arid aeolian systems is essential for deepening our understanding of palaeoclimate variability and hydrogeology on the East Asian continent. Traditionally, these interactions have been approached through the lens of lithofacies and architectural analysis when examining ancient desert basins. In this study, we have integrated grain-size end-member modelling analysis with conventional methods. Our findings suggest that, during the Late Cretaceous, intermountain-type palaeo-deserts within the South China Block intermittently received water vapour through gaps in the coastal mountain ranges of East Asia. This distinctive topography facilitated the periodic influx of water vapour into the Jitai Basin, extending and channelling humidity further into semi-arid inland areas. This may be the result of well-developed aeolian desert systems being partly affected by water vapour carried by the potential ancient monsoon of East Asia. This process played a pivotal role in shaping semi-arid aeolian systems with well-developed palaeosols and moist aeolian components. The reconstruction of palaeowind directions from aeolian dunes places the studied desert basin at the southern fringe of the subtropical high-pressure system. Integrating end-member modelling analysis with lithofacies and stratigraphic analysis offers a valuable approach to refining our understanding of fluvial–aeolian interactions in deep time desert basins.
Investigating fluvial–aeolian interaction processes in semi-arid aeolian systems is essential for deepening our understanding of palaeoclimate variability and hydrogeology on the East Asian continent. Traditionally, these interactions have been approached through the lens of lithofacies and architectural analysis when examining ancient desert basins. In this study, we have integrated grain-size end-member modelling analysis with conventional methods. Our findings suggest that, during the Late Cretaceous, intermountain-type palaeo-deserts within the South China Block intermittently received water vapour through gaps in the coastal mountain ranges of East Asia. This distinctive topography facilitated the periodic influx of water vapour into the Jitai Basin, extending and channelling humidity further into semi-arid inland areas. This may be the result of well-developed aeolian desert systems being partly affected by water vapour carried by the potential ancient monsoon of East Asia. This process played a pivotal role in shaping semi-arid aeolian systems with well-developed palaeosols and moist aeolian components. The reconstruction of palaeowind directions from aeolian dunes places the studied desert basin at the southern fringe of the subtropical high-pressure system. Integrating end-member modelling analysis with lithofacies and stratigraphic analysis offers a valuable approach to refining our understanding of fluvial–aeolian interactions in deep time desert basins.