Assessment of Quaternary Vegetation and Climate of Kumaun Himalaya (Saria Tal)—Geochemical Analysis

Geochemical analysis of a couple of sedimentary profiles from Saria Tal, Kumaun Himalaya has revealed the knowledge of total organic matter and corresponding climate of the region since Middle Holocene. In the beginning of sequence, investigated area had low representation of total organic matter and moisture with sufficient carbonate contents—reflecting moist conditions at the region. Near the onset of Late Holocene, organic matter and moisture showed increasing trend while carbonate contents considerable decline—indicating ameliorating trend of climate. During Late Holocene organic matter flourished and moisture showed abrupt enhancement—reflecting appearance of humid conditions at the region. Geochemical data corroborates with that of palynological and palaeontological data, supporting open type of vegetation in the beginning and mixed oak forest during Late Holocene with similar climatic inferences.