Late Quaternary glaciations, periglacial and aeolian geomorphic processes as contribution to the paleoclimatic evolution of continual mountains in Western Mongolia (Altay and Khangay)

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Main aim of the investigation is the extent and causes of late Pleistocene and Holocene glaciations and aeolian cover sediments in the mountain ranges of western Mongolia. The study area concentrates on important sites in the area between the deserts and steppe landscapes of Central Asia and the forest areas of Siberia. Following research question should be investigated: (1) Timing of maximum late Quaternary glaciations. (2) Periods of aeolian sedimentation and paleosols. (3) Regional climatic circulation of the Westerlies and possible monsoonal influences on the (paleo) glaciations and on the sedimentation of loess. To answer this research questions glacial landforms and sediments and aeolian cover sediments will be mapped, sampled, analyzed with sedimentological and pedological methods and dated with radiocarbon and luminescence. A special focus will be placed on the periglacial modification of the different archives. The investigation starts in the modern glaciated Mongolian Altai in the westernmost part of Mongolia towards the Khangay Mountains in the central part of Mongolia regarding the regional differences in elevation, equilibrium altitude elevation and moisture. The results of this study will be correlated with those of other areas of Central Asia to highlight similarities and differences in the regional paleoclimatic evolution.