Composition and diagenesis of Pleistocene aeolianites at Shidao, Xisha Islands: Implications for palaeoceanography and palaeoclimate during the last glacial period

Correlation of the aeolianites in XK#1 to the aeolianites in surface exposures and subsurface core indicates that most Shidao aeolianites were deposited in MIS 3. The dry-cold climate combined with strong onshore winds blew the exposed marine sediments onshore where they formed the aeolian dunes. The palaeosols present in the Shidao aeolianite succession indicate multiple episodes of subaerial exposure with relatively more humid climate. Collectively, the results imply that aeolianites in ancient rock record can be used to examine the variations in palaeoceanography and the palaeoclimate.