Context : A recent study conducted by the Agharkar Research Institute in Pune, Maharashtra, has revealed significant climate and environmental changes on the Kaas Plateau. The Kaas Plateau, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site (2012), is renowned for its seasonal flowers that form a vibrant carpet during August and September.
Key findings:
- Sediment profile dating back to 8000 years which helped decode climatic signatures indicated a relatively reduced rainfall and weak southwest monsoon during the late Holocene (around 2827 years BP).
- The seasonal lake in Kaas Plateau is likely a result of erosional localized shallow depression formed over the crust pediment (rock debris).
- 8664 years ago, pollen and diatom data revealed drier conditions and reduced rainfall in the early to mid-Holocene.
- Surprisingly, there was a significant rise in the number of diatoms in between.
- Indian summer Monsoon activity underwent a significant shift, causing intermittent humid periods amidst dry spells.
- There was a decrease in rainfall and a weakened southwest Monsoon during the late Holocene (around 2827 years BP).
- Pollen and diatom analysis revealed lake eutrophication in the last 1000 years due to human impact and livestock farming.
Kaas Plateau:
- It is nestled in the Western Ghats is about 140 km from Pune.
- Part of the Western Ghats, declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2012.
- It is called Kaas Pathar in Marathi, named after the Kaasa tree (Elaeocarpus glandulosus, of the rudraksha family).
- 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 hosts 1500 plant species, including 450 endangered wildflower species out of which 33 are found.
FAQs related with Kaas Plateau
Ques 1: What is Kaas Plateau?
Answer: Kaas Plateau, also known as Kaas Pathar, is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site located in Maharashtra, India. It is a high-altitude plateau famous for its diverse and unique flora, including a variety of endemic and rare wildflowers.
Ques 2: Why is Kaas Plateau significant?
Answer:This Plateau blooms with vibrant flowers during the monsoon, creating a breathtaking landscape. It is considered a biodiversity hotspot and attracts nature enthusiasts and photographers.
Ques 3: Can visitors access Kaas Plateau throughout the year?
Answer: Access to Kaas Plateau is restricted during most of the year to preserve its fragile ecosystem. Open to the public from August to October, when the flowers are in full bloom. Authorities strictly enforce entry regulations and timings to ensure conservation on Kaas Plateau.
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