Paleofloristic and paleoclimatic implications of Neogene palynofloras in China

Abstract Paleofloristic and paleoclimatic changes are highlighted through a review on pollen records from the Neogene of China. Four longitudinal development stages of the Neogene pollen floras are recognized with their inferred climates mainly in accordance with the world-wide variations. In addition, Neogene pollen floras also display a distinct regionalization and differential development among different palynofloristic regions. Latitudinal changes in the pollen floras are considered as largely linked with the second episode of the Himalayan movement and the gradual increase in the intensity of the East Asian monsoon besides world-wide variations. Also described are features of these pollen stages and palynofloristic regions.