Holocene climate and geomorphic changes in lakes of Ganga Plain, India

The Ganga Plain is a vast fluvial geomorphic landscape characterized by intricate network of river channels, their valleys and intervening large raised areas (interfluves) with very high population density. These interfluve regions have their own characteristic geomorphic features e.g. active streams, abandoned channel belts, lakes and ponds etc. The active drainage system includes many incised small sinuous, groundwater fed tributaries, having source and sink within the alluvium. This work deals with comprehensive study of different segments of expansive interfluve surfaces of Ganga Plain, their geomorphology and inter-relationship with other fluvial elements, distribution pattern of lake/ponds and multiproxy study of lake-fill sequences to unravel palaeoclimate and palaeovegetation history during the Holocene. Attempt has been made to comprehend and enhance the knowledge of the geomorphology, palaeoclimate and palaeovegetation history with the help of phytolith, microfauna and stable isotopes of O and C of biogenic calcite of ostracodes of lake sediments as proxy tools and also to throw some light on adaptation in human agricultural occupation of the Ganga Plain in the Holocene.