Strong dune activity and the forcing mechanisms of dune fields in northeastern China during the last 2 kyr

Historical dune activity for the Horqin and Hulun Buir dune fields of northeastern China remain poorly understood. In this study, we compiled a large number of aeolian sand luminescence ages from stratigraphic sections and synthesised the data to reveal periods of strong dune activity that took place in these dune fields throughout the last 2 kyr. Our results indicate at least four episodes of strong dune activity, which occurred from 500 to 600 C.E., from 890 to 970 C.E., from 1150 to 1230 C.E., and since 1650 C.E, respectively. Comparisons between episodes of strong dune activity, climatic change, and human activity showed that the first episode was associated with a cold and dry climate; the second and the third episodes can be attributed to the combined impacts of cold climate and extensive human activities; the early part of the fourth episode was caused by a cold climate, whereas the middle and later parts have been controlled by anthropogenic impacts. •We compiled a larger number of aeolian sand ages for dune fields of northeastern China.•We revealed periods of strong dune activity occurred during the last 2 kyr.•At least fourth episodes of strong dune activity existed.•Impacts of climatic and anthropogenic factors on strong dune activity varied temporally.