Abstract: A high resolution loess-paleosol sequence was found at Wulipu, Qishan County in Shaanxi province. Detailed studies of Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Mn elements content, magnetic susceptibility and grain size in the profile show that Holocene climate was not stable in the south part of the Loess Plateau. Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Mn contents in loess beds are lower than that in paleosols. It suggests that variation of Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Mn content in loess and paleosols is caused by climate change,and that can be used as climatic proxy to identify loess and paleosol layers and to reveal the monsoon climatic change. They are more sensitive than magnetic susceptibility in reflection of smaller-scale change. Higher Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Mn content means stronger southeast monsoon and wetter climate, lower Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Mn content means stronger northwest monsoon and drier climate. An aridity phase with intensive dust deposition was found between 6 000 to 5 000 a BP. The climatic evolution history of the Holocene in the south part of the loess plateau are generalized as: aeolian dust deposited to form loess L_t→paleosol S₀² formed→aeolian dust deposited to form loess L₀² and S₀² was buried→paleosol S₀¹ formed→aeolian dust deposited to form L₀¹ and the formation of the modern surface soil.

Key words: Holocene, loess-paleosol, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Mn element, Shaanxi