Research Projects

This project propsal target to start the first continuous water vapour isotope seris in Manali and on the leeward side of Manali, Himachal Pradesh using cavity ring down laser absorption spectroscopy (CRDS), that allows extensive simultaneous analyses of diverse isotopic parameters (8180 ,8170, 170-excess,8D, D-excess). In addition, speleothem (Sahiya Cave) and sediment of a high-altitude lake (Kyagar Tso, 4680 m.a.s.l.) will be analysed using the triple oxygen isotopes (8180, 8170, 170-excess) and other geochemical proxies to understand the long-term changes in the two weather system i.e., the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) and westerly winds/western distrubances (WD). To complement the continous water vapour monitoring, all phases of water samples, i.e ice, meltwater, event-related snow and precipitation samples, will be collected and routinely analysed to clarify the processes involved. This project has a broader impact as it addresses the socio-economic issues in terms of the future challenges the local Himalayan society are projected to face-timely availability of water, intense rainfall events and glacial lake outburst floods. In addition, the research will also contribute to improving the water needs for drinking and agriculture in the downstream regions of the basins.