Paleo Slide Set: The Ice Ages
Baoji section of the Loess Plateau, China

New evidence from terrestrial deposits also seems to support the theory of orbital forcing. 
This slide shows the upper part of a section of loess near Baoji in southern China's Central 
Loess Plateau. Note the alternation of four thin dark brown soils (S0 to S4) with relatively 
unaltered loess sections (dark to light tan). These soils represent interglacial periods when 
climates were wet enough to sustain vegetation development. During glacial periods, climates 
were colder, drier, and windier, leading to sparse vegetation cover and extensive mineral dust 
(loess) accumulation in many parts of the world.

Photo Credits:
Nat Rutter
Department of Geology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.