Why in the News?
- A study published in Ecography shows that alpine vegetation in the Himalayas is shifting upward due to climate change, warming, and reduced snow depth.
Key Findings
- Study period: 1999 to 2022 (24 years)
- Regions studied: Ladakh, Reckong, Ngari, Manthang (Nepal), Khumbu (Mt Everest region), and Bhutan
Magnitude of Shift
- Maximum shift: 6.95 metres/year (Manthang, Nepal)
- Minimum shift: 1.42 metres/year (Khumbu region)
- Indicates rapid ecological response to warming
What is Alpine Vegetation
- Found at: 4,100–5,000 m above mean sea level
- Above this:
- Sub-nival zone (5,000–5,500 m) → sparse vegetation
- >5,500 m → snow, glaciers, rocks
Causes of Upward Shift
1. Rising Temperature
- Himalayas warming faster than global average
2. Reduced Snow Depth
- Less snow cover → longer growing season
3. Climate Change
- Changes in: Temperature, Moisture, and Nutrient availability
Greening vs Browning
Greening
- Increase in vegetation cover
- More leafy growth
- Observed in most regions
Browning
- Decline in vegetation / more woody shrubs
- Seen in: Eastern Himalayas (Khumbu, Bhutan)
- Main reason: Changes in precipitation patterns
| [2014] If you travel through the Himalayas, you are Iikely to see which of the following plants naturally growing there? 1. Oak 2. Rhododendron 3. Sandalwood Select the correct answer using the code given below [A] 1 and 2 only [B] 3 only [C] 1 and 3 only [D] 1, 2 and 3 |
