Context: Recently, a new study of the sediments from a seasonal lake in the Kaas Plateau has indicated a major shift in the Indian Summer Monsoons towards dry and stressed conditions with low rainfall during the Early-Mid–Holocene, around 8664 years BP. 

• Study indicated a relatively reduced rainfall and weak southwest monsoon during the late Holocene (around 2827 years BP).

About Kaas Plateau

• Location: Kaas Pathar is a plateau made from volcanic rocks in the Satara district of Maharashtra. 
• Etymology: Known as Kaas Pathar in Marathi, its name is derived from the Kaasa tree, botanically known as Elaeocarpus glandulosus (rudraksha family).
• Ecological importance: Kaas Plateau is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, under the name the Western Ghats.It falls in the biosphere of the Western Ghats.
  • Designated as a biodiversity hotspot, the Kaas Plateau comes to life with various seasonal flowers forming a floral carpet over the entire lateritic crust during August and September.
• The plateau of Kaas experiences a natural cycle of extreme conditions. 
  • It becomes wet water-logged cool in monsoon rains, very dry, barren hot summer (45 degree C) and dry winter (5 degree C). 
• The soil we find in the Kaas Plateau is a thin layer on top of Deccan rock, with varying quality of nutrients. 
• Kaas Pathar is home to 1500 plant species, 450 wildflower species out of which 33 are endangered. 

Image Source:  The Hindu Buisnessline

News Source: The PIB