Abstract: Using the paleo-vegetation maps previously reconstructed with pollen data and the modern carbon density data, the changes in terrestrial carbon storage in the Holocene in mainland China were analyzed. Our analysis shows that the terrestrial carbon storage of the country generally increased from 10 kaBP to 6 kaBP, and reached the maximum value at 6 kaBP; since then, it continuously decreased, with the most rapid drop occurring during the last 2 ka. The decrease in terrestrial carbon storage after 6 kaBP might be attributed to the human activities since the Neolithic Age.

Key words: Holocene, carbon density, carbon storage, human activity, China