Sedimentary evolution of the East China Sea with implications for the relationship between the East Asian winter and summer monsoon over the past 6.3 ka

Abstract

Sediments in the muddy areas of marginal seas of East China can serve as natural archives of global climate and environmental changes. Studies of these sediments can offer valuable insights for paleoclimate changes. This study examined S04-2, a core located in the central of the inner-shelf muddy area of the East China Sea, to reveal the evolutionary history since 12 ka BP and investigate the relationship between the East Asian Winter Monsoon (EAWM) and East Asian Summer Monsoon (EASM). On a centennial timescale, the EASM was negatively correlated with EAWM and this relationship is mainly influenced by solar radiation, wherein increases or weakening of solar radiation led to a negative or positive correlation between the EASM and EAWM. Additionally, it was observed that the sustained negative correlation during the periods of 5.1–4.3 ka BP and 2.0–0.6 ka BP was modulated by the strong North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), resulting in periods of heightened social sensitivity in ancient China during 2.0–0.6 ka BP.