A 2000-year climate analysis of the Tibetan Plateau was undertaken by scientists, leading them to the conclusion that the Tibetan Empire’s growth and fall coincided with distinct warming and cooling periods. This study points to the considerable effect of historical climate shifts on human endeavors, such as agriculture, within the region. (See artist’s depiction)
A groundbreaking research carried out by Dr. Juzhi Hou, Dr. Fahu Chen, and Dr. Kejia Ji revealed significant insights and was disclosed in the Science Bulletin journal.
Through studying the sediment layers in Lake JiangCo, located in the central part of the Tibetan Plateau, the scientists were able to assemble a comprehensive climatic record of the past 2,000 years. The findings depict a phase of warm and moist weather during the 7th to 9th centuries AD, later transitioning to a colder, more arid period. This fluctuation in weather conditions parallels the Tibetan Empire’s growth and decline, hinting that climate transformations might have contributed to these historical events.
Titanium, an allothigenic element in the study, symbolizes changes in rainfall. The wet and dry intervals shown by titanium correspond closely with significant historical occurrences such as the Tibetan Empire’s treaties and battles. Credit: Science China Press
In their initial field examination, the researchers discovered well-preserved varved sediment in JiangCo, a central Tibetan Plateau lake. Using prior varve counting and radiometric dating techniques, they managed to identify a gravity core timeline spanning 2000 years.
Further detailed examinations were conducted on the sediment, such as high-resolution XRF elements scanning and carbonate carbon/oxygen isotope analysis. Using biomarkers like alkenones, they were able to reconstruct temperature and precipitation patterns for the last 2000 years, unveiling that the 7th-9th century AD was characterized by atypical warmth and humidity.
The annual varves of JiangCo are made up of coarse-grained and fine-grained layers. Credit: Science China Press
The scientists related this climatic period to historical texts and recognized that it overlapped with the unified local Tibetan Empire of that era. The shifts between warm, humid periods and cold, dry spells were closely linked to the Tibetan Empire’s external policy adjustments.
Utilizing the ecological niche model, they projected the variations in highland barley cultivation areas during the warm, humid period of the 7th-9th centuries AD and the ensuing cold, dry phase, with a difference of approximately 10.88 million hectares.
In the ecologically delicate setting of the Tibetan Plateau, climate change stands as one of the limiting factors for human activities. Recent findings highlight how warm, humid climates facilitated agricultural and livestock advancement on the plateau, whereas cold and dry conditions impeded these sectors.
The influence of climate change on the Tibetan Empire’s emergence and collapse is undeniable. Presently, as the Tibetan Plateau undergoes warming and moistening, the study of past human-environment interplays offers valuable insights for contemporary strategies to climate change.
Reference: “Climate change fostered rise and fall of the Tibetan Empire during 600–800 AD” by Juzhi Hou, Kejia Ji, Erlei Zhu, Guanghui Dong, Tao Tong, Guoqiang Chu, Weiguo Liu, Wenxiang Wu, Shuilong Zhang, Jade D’Alpoim Guedes and Fahu Chen, published on 2 May 2023, in Science Bulletin.
DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2023.04.040
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword: Tibetan Empire
What is the main discovery of the research conducted on the Tibetan Plateau?
The research uncovered a connection between climate changes over the last 2000 years and the rise and fall of the Tibetan Empire. Scientists found that warm and moist periods coincided with the empire’s expansion, while cold and dry periods aligned with its decline. Climate variations were also found to have significant effects on agriculture and animal husbandry in the region.
How did the scientists trace the climate history of the Tibetan Plateau?
The scientists traced the climate history by analyzing the layered sediments in Lake JiangCo on the central Tibetan Plateau. Techniques such as high-resolution XRF elements scanning, carbonate carbon/oxygen isotope analysis, and biomarkers like alkenones were used to reconstruct temperature and precipitation records for the past 2000 years.
What were the climatic conditions during the 7th to 9th centuries AD, and how did they affect the Tibetan Empire?
During the 7th to 9th centuries AD, the climate was warm and humid, followed by a shift to colder and drier conditions. This climatic variation aligns with the expansion and decline of the Tibetan Empire, suggesting that changes in climate might have played a significant role in the empire’s historical events.
How does this research contribute to modern responses to climate change?
This research sheds light on the complex interplay between climate and human activities, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas like the Tibetan Plateau. By understanding how historical climate changes impacted agriculture, animal husbandry, and political dynamics, the study offers valuable insights that can inform contemporary strategies to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.
What were some of the specific methods used in the research?
The researchers used methods such as varve counting, radiometric dating, high-resolution XRF elements scanning, and carbonate carbon/oxygen isotope analysis. They also utilized an ecological niche model to simulate the area of highland barley cultivation and analyzed the sediment for temperature and precipitation patterns using biomarkers like alkenones.
6 comments
i think its really important to see how the past can teach us about our future. especially with climate change being so critical these days
This is some serious science going on here. I didn’t understand all of the terms and methods, but the conclusions are clear. Makes me think what else might be influenced by the climate!
Does anyone know where I can read the full paper. I’d like to learn more about this. the link between climate change and historical events is fascinating
its great that theyve made this connection, but whats next? How can we use this to make a difference today. Too much talk, need more action!
its great that theyve made this connection, but whats next? How can we use this to make a difference today. Too much talk, need more action!
Wow, this study is mind-blowing! Never thought that climate could have such a big effect on an empire. It’s scary how the weather can control so much…