Research Article

A 20-ka climate record from Central Himalayan loess deposits†

  1. R. K. Pant1,
  2. N. Basavaiah2,4,
  3. N. Juyal3,
  4. N. K. Saini1,
  5. M. G. Yadava3,
  6. E. Appel4,
  7. A. K. Singhvi3,*

Article first published online: 18 JUL 2005

DOI: 10.1002/jqs.938

Issue

Journal of Quaternary Science

Journal of Quaternary Science

Volume 20, Issue 5, pages 485–492, July 2005

Additional Information

How to Cite

Pant, R. K., Basavaiah, N., Juyal, N., Saini, N. K., Yadava, M. G., Appel, E. and Singhvi, A. K. (2005), A 20-ka climate record from Central Himalayan loess deposits. Journal of Quaternary Science, 20: 485–492. doi: 10.1002/jqs.938

Author Information

  1. 1

    Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, 33, Gen. Mahadeo Singh Marg, Dehradun, 248001, India

  2. 2

    Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, Kalamboli, New Panvel, Navi Mumbai, 410218, India

  3. 3

    Physical Research Laboratory, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, 380009, India

  4. 4

    Institut für Geowissenschaften, Universität Tübingen, Sigwartstrasse 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany

*Physical Research Laboratory, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, 380 009, India.

  1. †

    Pant, R. K., Basavaiah, N., Juyal, N., Saini, N. K., Yadava, M. G., Appel, E. and Singhvi, A. K. 2005. A 20-ka climate record from Central Himalayan loess deposits. J. Quaternary Sci., Vol. 20 pp. 485–492. ISSN 0267-8179.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 18 JUL 2005
  2. Article first published online: 18 JUL 2005
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 13 APR 2005
  4. Manuscript Revised: 21 MAR 2005
  5. Manuscript Received: 29 MAR 2004

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Keywords:

  • loess;
  • Central Himalayas;
  • mineral magnetism;
  • geochemistry;
  • luminescence dating;
  • monsoon

Abstract

The southwest monsoon that dominated Central Himalaya has preserved loessic silt deposits preserved in patches that are proximal to periglacial areas. The occurrence of such silts suggests contemporary prevalence of cold and dry northwesterly winds. Field stratigraphy, geochemistry, mineral magnetism, infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) and radiocarbon dating has enabled reconstruction of an event chronology during the past 20 ka. Three events of loess accretion could be identified. The first two events of loess deposition occurred betweem 20 and 9 ka and were separated by a phase of moderate weathering. Pedogenesis at the end of this event gave rise to a well-developed soil that was bracketed around 9 to > 4 ka. This was followed by the third phase of loess accretion that occurred around 4 to > 1 ka. Episodes of loess deposition and soil formation are interpreted in terms of changes in the strength of the Indian southwest monsoon. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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