Research Projects

The proposed research project focuses on reconstructing Holocene sea-level changes in the Lakshadweep Islands using mangrove sediment records and exposed coral reef systems. These islands, being low-lying, are highly vulnerable to the impacts of global warming, including rising sea levels. Coral boulders, located 2-3 meters above present-day sea levels, offer valuable insight into past sea-level changes. This study will also explore the potential environmental and climatic changes that influenced past sea-level variations, with a particular focus on the Indian Ocean, which has experienced significant warming in recent decades. The research aims to bridge the gap in understanding the Quaternary history of the Lakshadweep Archipelago, providing critical data to assess how these islands have responded to past sea-level changes. This information is essential not only for paleoclimate studies but also for developing strategies to mitigate the effects of future sea-level rise. Furthermore, the findings of this study are crucial for conservation efforts in protecting the unique biodiversity of the region, which is threatened by coastal erosion, flooding, saltwater intrusion, and habitat destruction. The study also contributes to broader understanding of global and regional climatic trends and how these impact vulnerable coastal systems.