Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-2016-101
https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-2016-101
07 Nov 2016
 | 07 Nov 2016
Status: this discussion paper is a preprint. It has been under review for the journal Climate of the Past (CP). The manuscript was not accepted for further review after discussion.

Glacio-archaeological evidence of warmer climate during the Little Ice Age in the Miyar basin, Lahul Himalaya, India

Rakesh Saini, Milap Chand Sharma, Sanjay Deswal, Iestyn David Barr, and Parvendra Kumar

Abstract. Impressive glacio-archaeological evidence is described from the Miyar basin, Lahul Himalaya, India. Three ruins, namely Tharang, Phundang and Patam are identified along with evidence for past settlement and rich irrigation practices in the basin. These ruins are located in the end moraine complex of Tharang glacier, just ~ 2–3 km from the present glacier snout. Reconstruction of these ruins was undertaken based on mapping and radiocarbon (14C) dating. The radiocarbon dates (9 samples were dated) indicate that the settlement was occupied between cal AD ~ 1170 and cal AD ~ 1730, thereby encompassing the majority of Little Ice Age period. The settlement’s occupation at ~ 3700 m a.s.l. (whereas present habitation is restricted to areas below ~ 3500 m  a.s.l.) for almost ~ 550 years during the 12th to 17th centuries suggest warmer conditions than today. Moreover, the study finds no evidence to suggest any noticeable glacier advance during this period.

Rakesh Saini, Milap Chand Sharma, Sanjay Deswal, Iestyn David Barr, and Parvendra Kumar
 
Status: closed
Status: closed
AC: Author comment | RC: Referee comment | SC: Short comment | EC: Editor comment
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Status: closed
Status: closed
AC: Author comment | RC: Referee comment | SC: Short comment | EC: Editor comment
Printer-friendly Version - Printer-friendly version Supplement - Supplement
Rakesh Saini, Milap Chand Sharma, Sanjay Deswal, Iestyn David Barr, and Parvendra Kumar
Rakesh Saini, Milap Chand Sharma, Sanjay Deswal, Iestyn David Barr, and Parvendra Kumar

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Latest update: 28 Mar 2024
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Short summary
Generally it is believed that Himalayan glaciers advanced between 1300 and 1850 AD and retreated thereafter. However, this study presents glacio-archaeological evidence of peoples survival at 3700 m a.s.l. in the glacier end moraine complex between cal AD ~ 1170 and cal AD 1730. The peoples survival at 3700 m (present habitation restricted below 3500 m) along with elaborate agriculture and water harvesting structures for almost 550 years suggest that climatic condition were warmer than the present