Human-environment interactions within the West Liao River Basin in Northeastern China during the Holocene Optimum

摘要: Abstract Cultural studies of Neolithic China have focused on the social aspects and human–environment interactions associated with those cultures. However, uneven spatial distribution sites in Northeastern has not yet been explored. This study traces relationship between human settlement patterns agro-ecological environment during Holocene Optimum, based 4184 sites, together optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating pollen analysis five profiles 22 plant flotation samples from 10 archaeological West Liao River Basin, hub Cultures China. The overwhelming majority (∼96.7%) are located south 43o30′N latitude Basin southern fringe Horqin Dunefield. dunefield, which commonly hypothesized as vegetated was a typical steppe at that time suitable for growing millet, primary staple crop Cultures. Our results other site records reveal 43°30′N remarkable barrier dispersal settlements Age. probably formed by low frost tolerance millet temperature gradient latitude, making large-scale agricultural production impossible regions north this time. findings provide evidence natural northern limit Optimum.