Meghalaya cave stalagmite reveals 6,000-year history of monsoon changes
A study of a stalagmite from Mawsmai Cave shows links between ancient rainfall and global climate systems.
A stalagmite recovered from Mawsmai Cave in Meghalaya has provided a 6,000-year climate record showing long-term changes in monsoon intensity in northeastern India, according to ThePrint.
The research, published in the journal Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, examined the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) between 11,807 and 5,622 years ago.
The study, led by Yachna Verma and Anil K Gupta of IIT Kharagpur, along with Prasanta Sanyal of IISER Kolkata, found the monsoon was significantly stronger during the early Holocene.
Findings indicate the ISM was particularly strong between approximately 11,807 and 7,700 years ago, followed by a gradual weakening between 7,700 and 5,622 years ago.
Researchers identified that rainfall patterns were influenced by North Atlantic climate events, known as Bond events 8, 7, 6, 5b, 5a and 4.
The study also noted recurring climate patterns at intervals of 118 and 110 years, which are consistent with Gleissberg solar cycles associated with solar activity variations.