Radiocarbon Chronology and Magnetic Susceptibility Variation in Kumaori Lakes Sediments

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine time controls of erosion and sedimentation in the catchment area and lakes of the Naini Tal district in the Kumaon Himalayas. We present here our preliminary data from five lakes, Beon Tal, Garud Tal, Sukha Tal, Bhim Tal and Kamal Tal (Naukuchia Tal). A number of 14C dates are now available to estimate the sedimentation rate of the five lakes and magnetic susceptibility (xL ; xfd) variation to determine the signature of sediment source. High xfd values indicate a higher proportion of soil component generally characterized by a slower rate of deposition, and low xfd values with a higher rate of sedimentation indicate rock-debris-derived sediment. A 14C chronology enables us to estimate the mean sedimentation rate whereas rock magnetic properties help us to characterize the type of source responsible for sedimentation.