Impact of Anthropocene Vis-a`-vis Holocene Climatic Changes on Central Indian Himalayan Glaciers

Abstract

Systematic palaeoclimatic study of the glacio-lacustrine sediments using multiproxy data in Pindari glacier area, Central Himalaya has helped in better understanding of the climatic fluctuations since the last 7 Ka. The palynological data supported by the environmental magnetic parameters suggests that the climate of the Pindar valley was cold and dry during 7 ka BP followed by five different vegetational shifts. The studies further suggest that since the last 300 yr BP, the climate has been warm and moist. It has to be ascertained weather the present phase of warming as inferred from the current phase of deglaciation is anthropogenic or is the continuation of the warm period that was initiated prior to the anthropocene time around 300 years B.P.