Miocene evolution of vegetation, climate, and elevation in the Wulan Basin of northeast Tibetan Plateau based on a CRACLE analysis of palynological assemblages

Abstract

The uplift of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) during the Cenozoic has played a pivotal role in shaping global climate and vegetation evolution, however, understanding the uplift history of its various tectonic blocks remains complex. In this paper, we analyze palynological samples from the Miocene Xiayoushashan and Shangyoushashan formations in the Wulan Basin to explore the relationship between climate change and TP uplift. The analysis identified four distinct pollen zones: Zone I (18–15.3 Ma) characterized by Artemisia-Lycopodium-Aster-Polygonaceae; Zone II (15.3–12.7 Ma) dominated by Pinus-Picea-Aster-Artemisia; Zone III (12.7–11.7 Ma) featuring Lycopodium-Picea-Pinus-Polygonaceae; Zone IV (11.7–8.7 Ma) characterized by Picea-Chenopodiaceae-Lycopodium-Artemisia. Results indicate that the whole study interval was dominated by shrubs and grasses, interspersed with conifers and broad-leaved trees, exhibiting an altitudinally zonal pattern. Using the Coexistence Likelihood Estimation (CRACLE) method, we estimate a mean annual temperature (MAT) ranging from 6.0 to 14.7 °C and a mean annual precipitation (MAP) between 919.1 and 1612.4 mm during Miocene period. While minor climatic fluctuations occurred, the region experienced a cool-temperate and sub-humid climate significantly warmer and more humid conditions compared to the present. Based on MAT differences, the paleoelevation of the Wulan Basin during the Miocene was estimated to be c. 1655–2025 m, suggesting an uplift of c. 1275–1645 m since that time. These findings corroborate previous suggestions that the northeastern TP had not reached its current elevation prior to the Late Miocene.