Geochemical and Pollen Proxy Records from Northeastern Madhya Pradesh: An Appraisal of Late-Quaternary Vegetation and Climate Change

A 15 m deep sedimentary core from Jagmotha swamp in northeastern Madhya Pradesh has been analyzed for reconstruction of Late-Quaternary vegetation and climate change based on distribution of major/Trace elements, organic carbon, nitrogen and pollen grains contained in the sediments. The combined geochemical and palynological results indicate a cool and dry climate between 6000 to 5000 yrs BP representing a tree savannah type vegetation followed by warm and moist climate between 5000 to 3000 yrs BP. Such a drastic change in climate promoted tropical mixed deciduous forests in the region. Subsequently, between 3000 to 1200 yrs BP, the climatic condition got further improved with enhanced precipitation in the region marked by the advent of sal tree in the forest floristics. Since then, the climate has been inferred conducive for development of modern sal forests in the region.