Mid−late Holocene monsoonal records from the partially active mudflat of Diu Island, southern Saurashtra, Gujarat, western India

The mid-late Holocene period is seldom known for any drastic climatic perturbations, but witnessed significant anthropogenic growth and thus has been a subject of scientific importance. In this study, sediment core raised from an active mudflat of Diu Island, Southern Saurashtra coast, Gujarat with a climatic history for the last 4100 yr BP has been investigated based on geochemical proxies (productivity, weathering and detrital). Results indicate warm and humid conditions during Holocene Climate Optimum (HCO) between 4105 and 2640 cal yr BP as a result of monsoon intensification followed by an arid conditions between 2640 and 1930 cal yr BP. Later during 1930−355 cal yr BP, the region regained warm and humid conditions. The mudflat responded in accordance with the global climatic perturbations during last 2000 yr witnessing signatures of Roman Warm Period and Medieval Warm Period. Additionally, cool and humid climatic conditions persisted during Little Ice Age followed by Modern Warming Period witnessed during last 300 yr.