The Early Holocene vegetation and climate in Naradu Glacier Valley of Kinnaur District, Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

The pollen record recovered from a 2.5 m thick glacio-lacustrine deposit at 4,125 m a.m.s.1 in the Naradu Glacier Valley, Kinnaur District reveals the Early Holocene vegetation and climatic history of the region for about 1,650 years. The high percentage of pollen of extra local elements, both conifers and broad-leaved taxa along with good amount pollen of local trees, shrubs and herbs indicate that tree line ecotone zone might have been closer to the site due to improved climatic conditions compared to present. This is attributed to the effect of the strengthening of SW monsoon in India. However, an increase in local steppe elements around 10,640 yrs B.P. (12,720 Cal yrs B.P.) and 8,990 yrs B.P. (10,190 Cal yrs B.P.) suggests that the climate was comparatively less moist. This phase around 12,720 Cal yrs B.P. could possibly be linked to the Younger Dryas, a well-known global event.