Study Overview:
- Researchers at the Central University of Kerala conducted a study on monsoon rainfall patterns in the Western Ghats over the past 800 years.
- Published in Quaternary International, the study reconstructs Indian monsoon patterns over the last 1,600 years.
Relevance : GS 1(Geography ) ,GS 3(Environment and Ecology )
Key Findings:
- Increase in Monsoon Rainfall: The study highlights a significant increase in monsoon rainfall in the Western Ghats over the last 800 years.
- Intensifying Monsoon: The long-term trend suggests that the region has experienced growing monsoon intensity, contributing to more frequent and severe rainfall events.
- Recent Extreme Weather Events: The increased rainfall intensity may be linked to recent devastating events such as landslides and floods in Wayanad (2018) and Kodagu (2019), signaling broader climatic shifts.
Methodology:
- Lake Sediment Analysis: Researchers analyzed lake sediments from Cheppandikere Lake near Madikeri, Karnataka, to trace the historical patterns of monsoon intensity over centuries.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: The study used various scientific techniques to reconstruct past climate data and assess changes in rainfall patterns.
Implications for Disaster Preparedness:
- Need for Proactive Measures: The intensifying monsoon cycle calls for improved disaster preparedness in the region, particularly in areas prone to landslides and floods.
- Sustainable Land-Use Planning: The study emphasizes the need for sustainable land-use planning to mitigate the risks posed by extreme weather events.
- Conservation of Ecosystems: Given the sensitivity of the Western Ghats, a critical eco-sensitive zone, conservation measures are vital to safeguard biodiversity and reduce vulnerability to environmental hazards.
Policy Recommendations:
- Long-term Environmental Policies: Experts urge the formulation of comprehensive and long-term environmental policies that address the risks posed by changing monsoon patterns.
- Integrated Disaster Management: A coordinated approach involving disaster management, land-use policies, and environmental conservation is essential to adapt to the evolving climate conditions in the region.
Conclusion:
- The study underscores the significance of understanding historical monsoon patterns to predict future climatic changes and prepare for extreme weather events.
- It calls for immediate and sustained efforts to protect the eco-sensitive Western Ghats region from the impacts of an intensifying monsoon.
