Climate instability during last glacial stage: Evidence from varve deposits at Goting, district Chamoli, Garhwal Himalaya, India

The varve deposits at Goting, district Chamoli, Garhwal Himalaya have recorded climate history of the Last Glacial Stage (LGS). ¹⁴C chronology indicates that the deposition commenced around 40 ka BP and continued till the glacial maxima (about 20 ka). The magnetic susceptibility of the varve succession matches well with the lithological climate record. The varves are alternating dark and light grey bands of sub-millimeter scale separated by limonitic (pale yellow) bands and ice rafted dropstone debris. The mineral magnetic measurements show susceptibility enhancement corresponding to the limonitic beds. The enhancement of susceptibility has been attributed to accelerated weathering in the source area resulting from the temporary climatic shift from intense glacial cold to short-lived cool and wet periods. Such episodes were frequent during the LGS.