Central Himalayan Region

Central Himalayan Region : Recently, for the first time, Indian scientists have obtained continuous, high-resolution ground-based measurements of major greenhouse gases in the Central Himalayan region.

o This breakthrough reveals how both natural processes and human activities are shaping emissions in this ecologically fragile and climate-sensitive zone.

• Key Highlights: Conducted by ARIES (Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences), Nainital, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

o Based on five years of continuous ground measurements (2014–2018) in the Central Himalayan region.

o Diurnal and Seasonal Patterns: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) dips during the daytime, due to photosynthesis, but rises in spring due to biomass burning and minimal vegetation.

- Methane (CH₄) peaks in autumn, likely due to agricultural practices such as rice cultivation.

- Carbon monoxide (CO) shows highest levels in late spring, driven by regional pollution transported from the plains.

• Comparative Trends with Mauna Loa (Hawaii): CO₂: Rising at 2.66 ppm/year in the Himalayas (higher than global average).

o CH₄: Increasing at 9.53 ppb/year, again exceeding background levels.

o CO: Declining at 3.15 ppb/year, possibly due to improved combustion or changing emission sources.

• Central Himalayas : Also known as the Himadri, Inner Himalayas, or Greater Himalayas .

o Made up of Archaean rocks such as granite, gneiss, and ancient schist.

o Changing Orientation Across Regions: Southeast across northern Pakistan, northern India, and Nepal.

- Eastward through Sikkim and Bhutan.

- Northeast across northern Arunachal Pradesh.

o Prominent peaks, including Nanga Parbat, Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Namcha Barwa.

o The range features steep slopes on its northern side and gentler slopes on the southern side.