Central Himalayan tree-ring isotopes reveal increasing regional heterogeneity and enhancement in ice mass loss since the 1960s

Singh N, Shekhar M, Singh J, Gupta AK, Bräuning A, Mayr C, Singhal M (2021)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

Cryosphere European Geosciences Union (EGU) / Copernicus Publications

Book Volume: 15

Pages Range: 95-112

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.5194/tc-15-95-2021

Abstract

Tree-ring 18O values are a sensitive proxy for regional physical climate, while their 13C values are a strong predictor of local ecohydrology. Utilizing available ice-core and tree-ring 18O records from the central Himalaya (CH), we found an increase in east?west climate heterogeneity since the 1960s. Further, 13C records from transitional western glaciated valleys provide a robust basis for reconstructing about 3 centuries of glacier mass balance (GMB) dynamics. We reconstructed annually resolved GMB since 1743 CE based on regionally dominant tree species of diverse plant functional types. Three major phases became apparent: positive GMB up to the mid-19th century, the middle phase (1870?1960) of slightly negative but stable GMB, and an exponential ice mass loss since the 1960s. Reasons for accelerated mass loss are largely attributed to anthropogenic climate change, including concurrent alterations in atmospheric circulations (weakening of the westerlies and the Arabian Sea branch of the Indian summer monsoon). Multi-decadal isotopic and climate coherency analyses specify an eastward declining influence of the westerlies in the monsoon-dominated CH region. Besides, our study provides a long-term context for recent GMB variability, which is essential for its reliable projection and attribution.

Authors with CRIS profile

Achim Bräuning Lehrstuhl für Geographie (Physische Geographie) Christoph Mayr Institut für Geographie

Involved external institutions

Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences IN India (IN) Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology IN India (IN) Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur IN India (IN)

How to cite

APA:

Singh, N., Shekhar, M., Singh, J., Gupta, A.K., Bräuning, A., Mayr, C., & Singhal, M. (2021). Central Himalayan tree-ring isotopes reveal increasing regional heterogeneity and enhancement in ice mass loss since the 1960s. Cryosphere, 15(1), 95-112. https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-95-2021

MLA:

Singh, Nilendu, et al. "Central Himalayan tree-ring isotopes reveal increasing regional heterogeneity and enhancement in ice mass loss since the 1960s." Cryosphere 15.1 (2021): 95-112.

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