Fossil leaves (~34 million years old) from Nagaland reveal link between Antarctic glaciation & evolution of Indian monsoon in a study published by Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (Lucknow) & Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (Dehradun).

• CLAMP (Climate Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program) used on fossil leaves to reconstruct past climates from leaf traits (size, margin, shape).

Link between Antarctic Glaciation & Indian Monsoon

• Antarctic glaciation: It is the formation of massive ice sheets in Antarctica (~34 million years ago).
• Implication: 
  • Ice growth altered global wind & rainfall by shifting the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) toward the tropics.
  • Triggered intensified monsoon rainfall & warmer climate in India during late Eocene, aiding lush forests.
• Current Relevance:
  • Shows early onset of monsoon system in NE India; vital for reconstructing subcontinent’s climatic history.
  • Modern climate change & Antarctic ice melt may again shift ITCZ, threatening South Asian monsoon stability.

Significance

• Provides paleoclimate evidence to guide future preparedness under global warming and climate change.
• Underscores climate teleconnections, showing that regional monsoon policy must account for global drivers.
• Reinforces the need for climate adaptation in agriculture, water resources, and livelihood planning.

DOWNLOAD PDF