What are the 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 the Kaas Plateau is probably a product of an erosional localized shallow depression on a pediment (rock debris) developed over the crust. 
• During the early to mid-Holocene, at around 8664 years ago, pollen, as well as diatom data, indicated a change in the climate from freshwater to drier conditions with low rainfall.
• Surprisingly, there was a significant rise in the number of diatoms in between.
• This suggests a major shift in the Indian summer Monsoon activity during that time, possibly resulting in intermittent humid periods amidst the dry spells.
• There was a decrease in rainfall and a weakened southwest Monsoon during the late Holocene (around 2827 years BP).
• During the recent past (around last 1000 years), pollen, as well as the presence of a high number of planktonic and pollution-tolerant diatom taxa indicated lake eutrophication, possibly due to human impact and cattle/livestock farming in the catchment. 

About Kaas Plateau:

• It is nestled in the Western Ghats is about 140 km from Pune.
• It is part of the Western Ghats which was declared as world natural heritage site by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 2012 
• It is known as Kaas Pathar in Marathi, its name is derived from the Kaasa tree, botanically known as Elaeocarpus glandulosus (rudraksha family).
• It is also known as valley of flowers which is situated at a mighty altitude of 1200 metres.
• It is a major biodiversity hotspot owing to the many varieties of endemic flowers and butterflies that are found here.