Records from lake sediments of Indus River Valley in Ladakh help reconstruct climate variation 19 to 6 thousand years ago

Source: The post is based on the article “Records from lake sediments of Indus River Valley in Ladakh help reconstruct climate variation 19 to 6 thousand years ago” published in PIB on 31st May 2023

What is the News?

A study has arrived at a conclusion that the cold desert of Ladakh saw a period of monsoon-type rainfall some 17,000 years ago.

Background

Ladakh region in the Trans-Himalaya forms an environmental boundary between the North Atlantic and monsoon forcings. 

Its location is ideal to gain insight into the variations of the atmospheric circulations like westerly and Indian summer monsoon. 

A comprehensive understanding of the variability of these atmospheric circulations is essential, particularly in the wake of global warming.

What is the study conducted on Ladakh?

Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences has used sediment deposits recovered from ancient lakes in the Indus River valley in Ladakh to retrace climate changes.

The study has found that the cold desert of Ladakh saw a period of monsoon-type rainfall for 900 years (17,400 to 16,500 years ago) within the dominant westerly period.

A cold arid period was followed by a strong monsoon period and subsequent weakening monsoon phase with enhanced El Nino activities.