Taklimakan Desert-Surface pollen-Data

In this study, we analyzed 61 surface samples from bare dunes, vegetated interdunes, and fluvial environments across the Taklimakan Desert to investigate surface pollen distribution patterns and source contributions. Surface pollen assemblages are dominated by xerophytic taxa, with minor arboreal input, reflecting local and regional vegetation signals. Pollen concentrations and ratios vary among depositional settings, and PCA results distinguishes samples according to sedimentary environment, revealing how depositional environment modulates pollen assemblages.