Vegetation and climatic changes around Lamayuru, Trans-Himalaya during the last 35 kyr B.P.

Abstract

Palynological analysis of a 105 m deep palaeo-lake profile from Lamayuru, Ladakh, Trans-Himalayan region, provides a broad idea of temporal succession of vegetation vis-a-vis climatic changes during major part of the last glacial period. The present study suggests that the prevailing semi-arid climate of this region has been continuing at least from prior to 35 kyr B.P. characterized by the Chenopodiaceae-Ephedra-Artemisia steppe. Migration of Betula around 35 kyr B.P. into the steppe took place when climate was comparatively less arid than before and its further increase around 22 kyr B.P. in the Ephedra-Artemisia-Chenopodiaceae steppe suggests comparatively favourable climatic conditions. Subsequently the climate had turned to be cooler and drier with the expansion of steppe taxa.