LOESS RECORDS | Central Asia

This article considers the main topics of loess distribution in Central Asia, different hypotheses of its origin, geochronological evidence and stratigraphy, paleoenvironment, lithological features, and paleontological and archaeological data. The available data demonstrate that loess formation is one of the most informative records in the Quaternary for understanding paleoclimatic changes. Loess-dominated landscapes were formerly occupied by ancient people and are currently the areas of efficient exploitation by modern civilization.