High-resolution marine records of human-nature interactions in the Yellow River Basin since 2.2 kyr ago

Understanding human-nature interactions is critical for predicting Earth system stability under intensifying anthropogenic pressures, but centennial- to decadal-scale geological archives to robust quantify these dynamics remain scarce. Here, we present high-resolution geochemical records from the Yellow Sea, revealing competing climate and anthropogenic controls on chemical weathering and fires in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) since 2.2 kyr ago. Silicate weathering intensity generally tracked climate oscillations until ∼580 CE (Sui Dynasty), when agricultural intensification initiated progressive potassium depletion via preferential weathering of K-bearing minerals. Concurrently, black carbon (BC) records reveal fire regime shifts from climate-modulated biomass smouldering to more human-induced flaming of crop residues and coal, especially since ∼1350 CE (Ming Dynasty). These anthropogenic signatures coincided with intensified heavy metal release and ecosystem degradation. Our findings demonstrate that advances in agriculture and energy technology not only gradually reduced human dependence on climate, but also amplified anthropogenic perturbations across Earth's surface systems. This historical analogue highlights the urgency of balancing human adaptation with sustainable practices to mitigate potential irreversible impacts in the future.