Late Cenozoic Climate Change in Monsoon-Arid Asia and Global Changes

Abstract

Based on the geological and biological findings, and climate model sim- ulations, current understanding of the Asian monsoon-arid environment has been synthesized here. This chapter addresses the evolution of the Asian monsoon-arid environment and how it is related to the growth of the Tibetan Plateau (TP), and global environmental change since the Cenozoic. Asian monsoon appearance may begin in the Eocene. The basic structure of the monsoon-arid environment was established by late Oligocene, and the modern pattern of the monsoon-arid environ- ment has developed since the late Pliocene. Conceptual models for Asian monsoon- arid environmental change mechanisms at various time scales are proposed here. The occurrence of great Northern hemisphere glaciation has been discussed. Differ- entiation of the natural background and anthropogenic signals is examined. Policies and countermeasures for sustainable development on the Loess Plateau and arid areas are proposed for future reference.