Parminder Singh Ranhotra

Reconstructing atmospheric CO2 during the Plio–Pleistocene transition by fossil Typha

The Earth has undergone a significant climate switch from greenhouse to icehouse during the Plio-Pleistocene transition (PPT) around 2.7-2.4 million years ago (Ma), marked by the intensification of the Northern Hemisphere glaciation (NHG) ~2.7 Ma. Evidence based on oceanic CO2 [(CO2)aq], supposed to be in close equilibrium with the atmospheric CO2 [(CO2)atm], suggests that the CO2 decline might drive such climate cooling. However, the rarity of direct evidence from [CO2]atm during the interval prevents determination of the atmospheric CO2 level and further assessment on the impact of its fluctuation. Here, we reconstruct the [CO2]atm level during 2.77-2.52 Ma based on a new developed proxy of stomatal index on Typha orientalis leaves from Shanxi, North China, and depict the first [CO2]atm curve over the past 5 Ma by using stomata-based [CO2]atm data. Comparisons of the terrestrial-based [CO2]atm and the existed marine-based [CO2]aq curves show a similar general trend but with different intensity of fluctuations. Our data reveal that the high peak of [CO2]atm occurred at 2.77-2.52 Ma with a lower [CO2]aq background. The subsequent sharp fall in [CO2]atm level might be responsible for the intensification of the NHG based on their general temporal synchronism. These findings shed a significant light for our understanding toward the [CO2]atm changes and its ecological impact since 5 Ma.

Modern vegetational distribution and pollen dispersal study within Gangotri glacier valley, Garhwal Himalaya

Modern pollen-vegetation relationship has been analyzed in respect to vegetational distribution and pollen dispersal from sub-alpine and alpine ecological regimes within the higher reaches of the Gangotri glacier valley. The results in general cope with the local ecological conditions of the sites within the valley. Above the tree line limits, the pollen frequency of arboreal taxa is found lower than those of non-arboreal taxa. In contrast the pine-birch forest area at Chirbasa represented the frequency of arboreal pollen (AP) more than that of non-arboreal pollen (NAP) due to over representation of Pinus wallichiana (conifer). Pollen grains of extra-local arboreal elements, mostly conifers have also been recorded here with fair amount of temperate broad-leaved arboreal taxa viz. Quercus, Alnus, Corylus, Carpinus, Ulmus, Juglans etc. that have been transported by the upthermic winds from their growing limits at lower altitudes to the study sites at higher altitudes. Non-arboreal taxa viz. marshy/aquatic, steppe and of other herbaceaous taxa, represents the existing ecological regimes of their respective sites within the valley. Differential pollen preservation has been observed between the moss cushion and sediment samples from the same site that may be due to the direct exposure of moss cushions to air, thus showing more concentration of wind pollinated pollen-spores as compared to surface sediments.

Himalayan glaciers experienced significant mass loss during later phases of little ice age

To date, there is a gap in the data about the state and mass balance of glaciers in the climate-sensitive subtropical regions during the Little Ice Age (LIA). Here, based on an unprecedented tree-ring sampling coverage, we present the longest reconstructed mass balance record for the Western Himalayan glaciers, dating to 1615. Our results confirm that the later phase of LIA was substantially briefer and weaker in the Himalaya than in the Arctic and subarctic regions. Furthermore, analysis of the time-series of the mass-balance against other time-series shows clear evidence of the existence of (i) a significant glacial decay and a significantly weaker magnitude of glaciation during the latter half of the LIA; (ii) a weak regional mass balance dependence on either the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) or the Total Solar Irradiance (TSI) taken in isolation, but a considerable combined influence of both of them during the LIA; and (iii) in addition to anthropogenic climate change, the strong effect from the increased yearly concurrence of extremely high TSI with El Niño over the past five decades, resulting in severe glacial mass loss. The generated mass balance time-series can serve as a source of reliable reconstructed data to the scientific community.

Palynofloral evidence for palaeoecology and depositional environment of the Kopili Formation (Late Eocene), Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya

A rich and diversified palynofloral assemblage has been recovered from the Kopili Formation exposed at 136 km post on Jowai-Badarpur Road, Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, India. Besides the gymnospermous and angiospermous pollen and pteridophytic spores, the palynofloral assemblage also contains dinoflagellate cysts, fungal remains, bryophytic spores and reworked Gondwana palynofossils in good amount. Based on the distribution and habitat of the extant counterparts of recovered palynofossils, eight plant complexes have been recognized. Most families represented in the assemblage are presently distributed in the tropical to sub-tropical regions indicating almost similar climatic conditions during the deposition of Kopili sediments. The palynofloral assemblage indicates coastal to marine depositional environment with minor oscillations of sea, having fresh water connections with swamps and ponding conditions nearby.