Draining of an ancient lake in the Hexi Corridor 4500 years ago triggered migration of the Hei Shan civilization

Abstract Anthropolohical evidence in the Duanshankou river in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau suggests this was an important prehistoric occupation site in the Hexi Corridor, which later become part of the Silk Road, the route for trans-Eurasian trade. This study highlights the existence and potential importance of an ephemeral palaeolake, formed as a result of seismicity and environmental changes, for the prehistoric civilization in the Hexi Corridor, offering clues to the development of civilisation in this part of the Silk Road in relation to paleoenvironmental changes. Here we analyse sedimentary architecture and sequence chronology, suggesting ancient seismicity led to channel deformation in the valley floor, forming a natural dam and the resultant palaeolake. Drainage of the lake at 4.5 ka, linked to climate fluctuations, triggering human migration from the surrounding mountains to the lower reaches of the Hei River. Our findings reveal that rapid landform evolution probably influenced trans-Eurasian cultural exchange and delayed the formation of the Silk Road.