Abstract: Using the paleo-vegetation maps previously reconstructed by using pollen data and the modern carbon density data, the changes in terrestrial carbon storages in the Holocene period in mainland China were analyzed. The results indicate that the terrestrial carbon storage in the country generally increased from 10 to 6 ka BP, and 6 ka BP witnessed the maximum carbon storage in the time period analyzed. Since that time, the terrestrial carbon storage has consistently decreased. The most rapid drop occurred during the last 2 ka. This change could be attributed to the human activities since the Neolithic Age.

Key words: Holocene, Carbon density, Carbon storage, China