Paleoclimatic Evidence across the Ordos Region and Yellow River Loop

The Greater Ordos Region (GOR), located at the interface between the East Asian Summer Monsoon and mid-latitude westerly circulation systems, is highly sensitive to both oceanic forcing and regional land–atmosphere interactions. This study synthesises annually resolved tree-ring and documentary records with lower-resolution evidence from lake sediments, aeolian archives, and pollen data to reconstruct hydroclimatic and temperature variability over the past ~3500 years. The multi-proxy evidence reveals pronounced alternations between wetter and drier conditions across successive dynastic periods. High-resolution records resolve the timing, duration, and severity of extreme events, including multi-decadal droughts during the late Han and Tang periods and a widespread megadrought in the early seventeenth century CE associated with crop failures and societal stress. Lower-resolution archives provide longer-term context, documenting progressive shifts towards increased aridity, steppe expansion, and desertification, particularly following major drought episodes. The combined proxy approach demonstrates how recurrent hydroclimatic extremes, interspersed with phases of recovery, have exerted a persistent influence on agricultural systems, land-use dynamics, and societal stability. Integrating high- and low-resolution climate records allows assessment of both abrupt climate shocks and longer-term environmental trends that have shaped regional vulnerability through time.