Quaternary deposits in Ladakh and Karakoram Himalaya: A treasure trove of the palaeoclimate records

Preliminary observations on the Quaternary deposits of Ladakh and Karakoram Himalaya and their palaeoclimatic significance are highlighted in this article. Based on the geomorphology and sedimentary field evidences, a tentative scenario of landscape evolution and climate is proposed. Our observations suggest that the Quaternary landscape was evolved due to the interaction of climate and seismicity. The earliest event was dominated by regional glacial activity that was followed by humid fluvio-lacustrine environments. This phase was succeeded by a renewed phase of glacial activity, though restricted to higher altitudes due to moisture-starved condition. Following this the region experienced marginal improvement in aridity that continued till Present The landform diversity and Quaternary deposits provide an opportunity to undertake a multidisciplinary approach for reconstructing the history of Quaternary climate and seismicity in the region.