Regional disparity in summer monsoon precipitation in the Indian subcontinent during Northgrippian to Meghalayan transition

The present study reveals distinct spatial variability of summer monsoon precipitation in Indian subcontinent during Northgrippian to Meghalayan transition. Protracted dry phase lasting similar to 1000 yrs was observed similar to 4.2 ka BP in southern and northwestern India whereas 200-300 yrs event occurred in northeastern parts. Strong El Nino conditions beginning similar to 4.3 kyr BP were associated with the millennial long dryness in western parts but its influence was limited in the eastern region. Cross-verified, high-resolution records from different geographic regions of India are still required to ascertain if regional differences occurred in span and magnitude during Northgrippian to Meghalayan transition.

Automated summary

The study reveals distinct spatial variability of summer monsoon precipitation in the Indian subcontinent during the transition period, with prolonged dryness in the western parts lasting 1000 years and shorter dry spells in the northeastern parts lasting 200-300 years. Strong El Nino conditions were associated with the millennial long dryness in the western parts but had limited influence in the eastern region. More high-resolution records from different geographic regions of India are needed to confirm if regional differences occurred during the transition period.