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Quaternary
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Vegetation Response to the Hydro-Climatic Changes during the Late Quaternary
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Vegetation Response to the Hydro-Climatic Changes during the Late Quaternary

A special issue of Quaternary (ISSN 2571-550X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (24 September 2024) | Viewed by 9719

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Md Firoze Quamar

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, 53 University Road, Lucknow 226007, India
Interests: understanding the hydro-climate changes and corresponding vegetation dynamics during the Holocene, based mainly on pollen records, from the central Indian Core Monsoon Zone (CMZ), and also from the Himalaya, India; understanding the climate-culture relationships; non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs, especially the coprophilous fungal spores) study for understanding the dietary habit of the grazing animals during the Holocene, as well as the human impact on the vegetation around the landscape of the respective study areas in central India and also in the Himalaya, India; studies on the pollen morphology of modern plants of tropical deciduous forests (both moist and dry types), based on observations from the LM, CLSM, and FESEM, with respect to their taxonomy and systematics, evolution and phylogeny, as well as and preservation; melissopalynology for understanding the plant pollen (regional vegetation types and environmental conditions too) and nectar source, purity (of honey)
Dr. Upasana S Banerji

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, Prithvi Bhawan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110003, India
Interests: paleoclimate reconstruction; sea level changes; global climate events and teleconnections

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Vegetation is one of the main climatic reservoirs of the Earth; the other four climatic reservoirs being the atmosphere, ocean, land surfaces and cryosphere. The global distribution and composition of vegetation is largely controlled by the climate (precipitation, temperature), soil characteristics and altitude; however, human and natural impacts are also present. Simultaneously, climate change is most evidently reflected in vegetation because the vegetation of any area is an integral and basic composition of the ecosystem, which is sensitive to and governed by the climatic changes. The influence of climate on vegetation is so great that each climatic zone has its own characteristic vegetation type. Therefore, plants are among the best indicators of environmental and climatic changes, both temporally and spatially. Pollen gains and spores are produced by plants, and the widespread transport and mixing of pollen grains by wind or water generally form pollen assemblages, which represent characteristics of the vegetation, climatic conditions or sedimentary environment at a specific time or area.

Understanding climate change and monsoonal variability is a defining issue of our time, and various geological, biological, historical and archaeological proxies provide evidence for ways in which the Earth’s climate has changed (in the past) and may do so in the future. Among the biological proxies, palynology has proved to be one of the most potent tools for the reconstruction of vegetation-based past climatic changes. Therefore, it is crucial to study the response of vegetation (dynamics) to climate change and monsoonal variability during the late Quaternary.

This Special Issue aims to investigate the responses of vegetation to climate change and monsoonal variability with respect to the global climate change scenario during the Holocene across the globe. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • The response to the vegetation dynamics to climate change and monsoonal variability during the late Quaternary.
  • Extreme climatic conditions and vegetation response.
  • Hydroclimatic changes and teleconnections during the late Quaternary.
  • The forcing factors of vegetation and climate change during the late Quaternary.

Best regards,

Dr. Mohammad Firoze Quamar
Dr. Upasana S Banerji
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • hydro-climate and vegetation dynamics
  • pleistocene-holocene
  • global climatic events

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 3028 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Temperature and Precipitation Since 4.3 ka Using Palynological Data from Kundala Lake Sediments, Kerala, India
by Anjum Farooqui and Salman Khan
Quaternary 2025, 8(2), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/quat8020017 - 1 Apr 2025
Viewed by 276
Abstract
A comprehensive database of paleo vegetation from Kundala Lake, Kerala, was used for a palynological study in a 120 cm sedimentary profile from Kundala Lake (1700 mamsl), Palni Hills, to understand the climate and vegetation equilibrium during the last four millennia. On the [...] Read more.
A comprehensive database of paleo vegetation from Kundala Lake, Kerala, was used for a palynological study in a 120 cm sedimentary profile from Kundala Lake (1700 mamsl), Palni Hills, to understand the climate and vegetation equilibrium during the last four millennia. On the basis of pollen assemblage and cluster analysis, a relatively high percentage of evergreen vegetation between 4.3 and 3.4 ka (phase I) was inferred to represent the relicts of middle Holocene vegetation during a warmer climate. Subsequently, in the periods of 3.4–2.3 ka (phase II) and 2.3–0.87 ka (phase III), herbs/shrubs dominated. A relative increase in the percentage of arboreals along with herbaceous taxa was again observed from 0.87 to 0.12 ka (phase IV). Later, in phase V (from 1820 AD to present), few new plant taxa were recorded. On the basis of the ‘coexistence approach’, the Mean Annual Temperature (MAT) was inferred to be 22 °C, 15 °C, 15 °C, 20 °C and 22 °C during phases I to V, respectively. The Mean Annual Precipitation (MAP)was 2660 ± 3700 mm from ~4.3 to 0.12 ka; however, it decreased to ~1750 mm between 3.4 and 2.3 ka. However, pollen evidence reveals short-term cooler spells during the 16/17th century AD, which is in concordance with the globally recorded cooler and arid climate that began sometime from ~5.0 to 4.0 ka. A thematic digital elevation map of vegetation reconstructed for the years 2005 and 2018 shows a reduction in evergreen plants and water bodies in the vicinity of Kundala Lake, which was correlated with the results of palynological studies and Indian meteorological data for the last ~100 years in the region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetation Response to the Hydro-Climatic Changes during the Late Quaternary)
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16 pages, 668 KiB  
Article
Latitude as a Factor Influencing Variability in Vegetational Development in Northeast England During the First (Preboreal) Holocene Millennium
by J. B. Innes and C. Orton
Quaternary 2025, 8(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/quat8010007 - 5 Feb 2025
Viewed by 936
Abstract
In the North Atlantic region, the transition from the very cold Lateglacial Stadial (GS-1) to the temperate Holocene was abrupt, with a rapid increase in temperature of several degrees, after which the low-stature, cold-tolerant Stadial vegetation was replaced through the immigration and rapid [...] Read more.
In the North Atlantic region, the transition from the very cold Lateglacial Stadial (GS-1) to the temperate Holocene was abrupt, with a rapid increase in temperature of several degrees, after which the low-stature, cold-tolerant Stadial vegetation was replaced through the immigration and rapid succession of tall herb, heath, and shrub communities towards Betula woodland of varying density. In northeast England, pollen diagrams on a south to north transect between mid-Yorkshire and the Scottish border show that there was considerable variation in the rate at which postglacial woodland was established in the first Holocene millennium. In mid-Yorkshire’s Vale of York, the development of closed Betula woodland was swift, whereas in north Northumberland, near the Scottish border, Betula presence was low for the first several centuries of the Holocene, with open vegetation persisting and with shrub vegetation dominated mostly by Juniperus. Intermediate locations on the transect show there was a gradient in post-Stadial vegetation development in northeast England, with latitude as a major factor, as well as altitude. Transitional locations on the transect have been identified, where vegetation community change occurred. Vegetation development in the first Holocene millennium in northeast England was spatially complex and diverse, with the climatic effects of latitude the main controlling environmental variable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetation Response to the Hydro-Climatic Changes during the Late Quaternary)
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34 pages, 16609 KiB  
Article
Palaeoclimatic Signatures Based on Pollen Fingerprints: Reconstructing Mid–Late Holocene Climate Dynamics in Northwestern Himalaya, India
by Anupam Nag, Anjali Trivedi, Anjum Farooqui and P. Morthekai
Quaternary 2025, 8(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/quat8010006 - 28 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1023
Abstract
This study presents a high-resolution palaeoclimate reconstruction based on a radiocarbon-dated 240 cm deep trench profile from Renuka Lake, Northwestern Himalaya, India. The palynological analysis provides insight into the palaeovegetation and palaeoclimatic dynamics of a subtropical, dense, mixed deciduous forest, predominantly characterized by [...] Read more.
This study presents a high-resolution palaeoclimate reconstruction based on a radiocarbon-dated 240 cm deep trench profile from Renuka Lake, Northwestern Himalaya, India. The palynological analysis provides insight into the palaeovegetation and palaeoclimatic dynamics of a subtropical, dense, mixed deciduous forest, predominantly characterized by Sal (Shorea robusta). The fossil pollen reveals the presence of tropical Sal mixed deciduous taxa, including Shorea robusta, Emblica officinalis, Murraya koenigii, Toona ciliata, Syzygium cumini, and Terminalia spp., which indicate that the region experiences a warm and humid climate with the strong Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) during ~7500–4460 cal yr BP. Subsequently, Sal-mixed deciduous forests were replaced by highland taxa, viz., Pinus roxburghii and Abies pindrow, suggesting dry and cold conditions during ~4460–3480 cal yr BP. Additionally, warm and humid (~3480–3240, ~3060–2680, ~2480–2270 cal yr BP) and cold and dry conditions (~3240–3060, ~2680–2480, ~2270–1965 cal yr BP) recorded alternatively in this region. Improved ISM prevailed ~1965–940 cal yr BP, followed by cold and dry conditions ~940–540 cal yr BP. From ~540 cal yr BP to present, the appearance of moist deciduous taxa alongside dry deciduous and highland taxa in similar proportions suggests moderate climate conditions in the region. Environmental reconstructions are supported by the Earth System Palaeoclimate Simulation (ESPS) model, providing an independent validation of the pollen-based interpretations. This research contributes to our understanding of long-term vegetation dynamics in the Northwestern Himalaya and offers valuable insights into the historical variability of the Indian Summer Monsoon, establishing a foundation for future investigations of climate-driven vegetation changes in the region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetation Response to the Hydro-Climatic Changes during the Late Quaternary)
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26 pages, 7831 KiB  
Article
Paleolimnology and Natural Versus Anthropogenic Influx During the Late Holocene from Vembanad Wetland, Ramsar Site, Kerala, India
by Pooja Tiwari, Biswajeet Thakur, Purnima Srivastava, Sanjay Kumar Singh Gahlaud, Ravi Bhusan and Rajesh Agnihotri
Quaternary 2025, 8(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/quat8010003 - 13 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1286
Abstract
A multi-proxy study of diatoms, palynofacies, and grain size was conducted on a 100 cm core from Arookutty, Vembanad wetland, Kerala, India, to reconstruct paleolimnological changes during the late Holocene, with a focus on natural versus anthropogenic influences. Four distinct depositional phases, from [...] Read more.
A multi-proxy study of diatoms, palynofacies, and grain size was conducted on a 100 cm core from Arookutty, Vembanad wetland, Kerala, India, to reconstruct paleolimnological changes during the late Holocene, with a focus on natural versus anthropogenic influences. Four distinct depositional phases, from ca. 500 BCE to ca. 400 CE, were identified, aligning with the Roman Warm Period (RWP). The period from ca. 500 BCE to ca. 450 BCE shows high freshwater and marine planktic diatoms, augmented by silicoflagellates and terrestrial organic matter, with a low dinocyst presence, suggesting a dynamic aquatic environment. The period from ca. 450 BCE to ca. 350 BCE is marked by a high sand content, indicating significant runoff and terrestrial influx, along with increased freshwater and marine planktic diatoms and evidence of human activity in the area. Similarly, the period from ca. 350 BCE to ca. 50 CE is characterized by high sand content and strong anthropogenic influences, with a rise in silicoflagellates, pointing to rising sea levels and high monsoonal precipitation. The period from ca. 50 CE to ca. 400 CE initially shows a decrease in sand and an increase in mud, reflecting a weakening southwest monsoon, likely due to solar variations. However, from ca. 300 CE to ca. 400 CE, sand content rises again, accompanied by high terrestrial influx and dinocysts, while silicoflagellates diminish completely. Thus, despite the dominance of the RWP, the coastal region experienced an extended period of reduced monsoonal activity for a particular span. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetation Response to the Hydro-Climatic Changes during the Late Quaternary)
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14 pages, 2971 KiB  
Article
Influence of Geological and Soil Factors on Pine, Birch, and Alder Stability During the Holocene Climate Change in Central Latvia, Northeastern Europe
by Normunds Stivrins and Marianna Jarmakovica
Quaternary 2025, 8(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/quat8010002 - 2 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1380
Abstract
Understanding the past dynamics of vegetation in response to climate change is crucial for predicting future ecological outcomes. This study has two primary objectives: (1) to reconstruct the vegetation history of the coastal region around Lake Lilaste in Central Latvia during the Holocene [...] Read more.
Understanding the past dynamics of vegetation in response to climate change is crucial for predicting future ecological outcomes. This study has two primary objectives: (1) to reconstruct the vegetation history of the coastal region around Lake Lilaste in Central Latvia during the Holocene and (2) to assess the impacts of climate change on forest composition through the analysis of pollen data and radiocarbon dating. The results indicate that dominant tree species, particularly pine (Pinus), have shown remarkable resilience despite significant climate fluctuations. Pine’s adaptation to the sandy, mineral-poor soils surrounding the lake likely underpins its sustained dominance, while the influence of climate change on overall tree biomass is more notable. Our results suggest that vegetation may be more susceptible to future climate variability, yet the region’s geological and soil conditions continue to favor pine, birch (Betula), and alder (Alnus) populations. While human activities have influenced the region during the last millennia, their impact has been more pronounced in areas further from the lake. This study underlines the importance of long-term forest dynamics and emphasizes that the soil and geological and geographical setting must be considered for climate change assessments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetation Response to the Hydro-Climatic Changes during the Late Quaternary)
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24 pages, 5241 KiB  
Article
Late Holocene Vegetation Dynamics and Sea Level Fluctuations: A High-Resolution Record from Southeast India
by Jyoti Srivastava, Pujarini Samal and M. C. Manoj
Quaternary 2024, 7(4), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/quat7040053 - 3 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1325
Abstract
A detailed high-resolution study of climate and vegetation changes in two sedimentary profiles from the Godavari delta in India was conducted to understand extreme climate variability over the last 3000 years. These historical climate records are vital for predicting future climate changes influenced [...] Read more.
A detailed high-resolution study of climate and vegetation changes in two sedimentary profiles from the Godavari delta in India was conducted to understand extreme climate variability over the last 3000 years. These historical climate records are vital for predicting future climate changes influenced by increased human activity. Pollen records reveal several climatic periods: (1) an initial warm/humid phase (2260–1560 cal yr BP) with mangrove and tropical tree pollen and maximum pollen accumulation rate (PARmax), (2) a gradual shift to drier conditions with reduced mangrove and arboreal pollen, coinciding with to the Dark Ages Cold Period (1580–1070 cal yr BP), (3) a Medieval Warm Period (1090–580 cal yr BP) marked by a stronger summer monsoon, rejuvenation of mangroves and tree pollen, (4) a relatively cool and dry phase with abundant dry deciduous and non-arboreal pollen possibly linked to the Little Ice Age (580–80 cal yr BP), showing a weakened monsoon, and (5) recent warming since 80 cal yr BP. A semi-quantitative aridity, temperature, and moisture index based on pollen concentration variations have also been used to identify centennial-scale climatic cycles in the pollen record. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetation Response to the Hydro-Climatic Changes during the Late Quaternary)
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25 pages, 11533 KiB  
Article
Hydroclimatic Changes Revealed by Multiple Proxies Since the Last Glacial Maximum from the Core Monsoon Zone of India
by Mohammad Firoze Quamar, Jyotsna Dubey, Pooja Tiwari, Prasanta Kumar Das, Biswajeet Thakur, Mohammad Javed, Nagendra Prasad, M. E. T. Maneesha and Satish J. Sangode
Quaternary 2024, 7(4), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/quat7040052 - 21 Nov 2024
Viewed by 2159
Abstract
We present multiproxy records from a 2.25-m-long lake sediment profile from central India, which suggested that between ~22,200 and 18,658 cal yr BP, the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) was weak, supporting open vegetation in a cool and dry climate, which is globally correlated [...] Read more.
We present multiproxy records from a 2.25-m-long lake sediment profile from central India, which suggested that between ~22,200 and 18,658 cal yr BP, the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) was weak, supporting open vegetation in a cool and dry climate, which is globally correlated with the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). The grain size data of this phase suggest low-energy conditions, indicating a weak ISM. Environmental magnetic concentration-dependent parameters also confirm this weakened ISM. Between ~18,658 and 7340 cal yr BP, the ISM underwent a notable increase, and open mixed tropical deciduous forests replaced the existing vegetation under a warm and moderately humid climate. Environmental magnetic parameters and the grain size data signal a shift toward higher energy levels, in harmony with the warm and moderately humid climate during this time span. Between ~7340 and 1960 cal yr BP, the ISM intensity further increased, which supported open mixed tropical deciduous forests with a rise in prominent tree species under a warm and a relatively more humid climate, correlated with the global Holocene Climatic Optimum (HCO). The trends in environmental magnetic parameters and grain size data mirror this phase of climatic amelioration. From ~1961 cal yr BP to the present, the ISM has intensified, giving rise to dense mixed tropical deciduous forests under a warm and relatively more humid climate. Environmental magnetic parameters and the grain size data are in tandem with the palynogical findings from this phase of the ISM variability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetation Response to the Hydro-Climatic Changes during the Late Quaternary)
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