Understanding future climate variability requires not only tracking present-day weather patterns but also examining the geological and ocean-atmosphere processes that have shaped monsoon systems over thousands of years, according to Professor of Eminence at IIT Kharagpur Anil Kumar Gupta.
Speaking at the 66th Foundation Day celebrations of the CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), which coincided with the 85th Foundation Day of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Mr.Gupta highlighted the importance of studying natural climate archives to understand long-term climate trends.
Natural records preserved in marine sediments, lake deposits, cave formations, tree rings and ice cores enable scientists to reconstruct past climatic conditions and gain insights into long-term variations in temperature, rainfall, monsoon behaviour and ocean circulation, he said.
Emphasising the need for reliable climate reconstruction, he noted that combining multiple climate indicators, or proxies, with accurate dating techniques was essential for building a clearer picture of how Earth’s climate has evolved over time.
The scientist discussed major climate events of the Quaternary period, including the Mid-Pleistocene Transition and the Last Glacial Maximum, and explained their significance in understanding present-day climate systems. He also highlighted the role of interactions between the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole in influencing the Indian summer monsoon.
Mr.Gupta traced the long-term evolution of the Indian monsoon to major geological events, including the closure of the ancient Tethys Ocean, the collision of the Indian and Asian tectonic plates, and the uplift of the Himalaya-Tibetan Plateau region, all of which have played a crucial role in shaping monsoon dynamics.
CSIR-NGRI director Prakash Kumar outlined the institute’s major achievements over the past three years in assessment of natural hazards, exploration of critical minerals, geothermal energy research, and carbon capture, utilisation and storage technologies
These initiatives are aimed at strengthening the application of geophysical research to address India’s energy security, environmental sustainability and climate-related challenges. A compendium documenting the research contributions of women scientists and technical personnel at CSIR-NGRI was released on the occasion, said a press release.
Published - October 13, 2026 08:21 pm IST