An ancient lake in the Hexi Corridor, which was to become part of the Silk Road, was an important occupation site of the Hei Shan civilization for 5000 years, but its later drainage, 4500 years ago, triggered human migration from this site. This is shown by thermoluminescence dating and facies analysis of sedimentary rocks from the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, correlated with interpretations of Hei Shan rock paintings.
- Zijuan Dong
- Zhenbo Hu
- Renzhe Pan