Vegetation vis-à-vis Climate and Glacier History during 12,400 to 5,400 yr BP from Dokriani Valley, Garhwal Himalaya, India

Abstract

Abstract: Palynological analysis from a 10 m deep sediment profile from Dokriani valley, Garhwal Himalaya, provides temporal variation of vegetation vis-à-vis climate and glacier history of the region. This study reveals that between 12,406 and 10,633 cal yr BP vegetation was sparse when the climate was cool-dry and the glacier snout might had been located at lower elevations in comparison to its present position. Subsequently around 10,633 cal yr BP, an increase in the growth of diversified taxa close to the site, indicates the early Holocene climatic amelioration when glacier might have retreated at faster rate. Further, within Holocene some intermittent cool-dry episodes were recorded around 9,670 to 9,000 cal yr BP and 7,100 cal yr BP when glacier might have shown reduction in retreat rate or came to stagnation.