EVOLUTION OF PALEOCLIMATE AND PLANT COMMUNITY IN THE LAST 800 ka B P IN DATONG AREA

A sporopollen analysis of the Dongshuitou section, Xiaobeizhuang section and Nansigou section of the Heishan hill, Datong, Shanxi, shows that the vegetation since 800 ka B P has gone through four stages developing from forest through sylvosteppe and steppe to desertsteppe, Corresponding to the changes of paleoclimate, i.e. three climatic cycles, including nine subcycles, each beginning with a cold and dry climate, and ending in a warm and humid one.