Tree-ring inferred natural hazards studies from western Himalaya, India: a review

Abstract

Natural hazards increasingly threaten lives, settlements, and environments globally, with their frequency rising due to climate change driven by global warming and deforestation. High-altitude regions like the Himalayas face heightened risks of floods, droughts, and glacial lake outbursts. Observational records show reduction in rainy days but more intense precipitation events, alongside accelerated glacial retreat, driving rivers to dangerous levels. Tree-ring-based studies were conducted in the western Himalaya to comprehend the severity of past natural hazards and facilitate policy-making and community awareness. These studies utilized records of floods, snow avalanches, and glacial fluctuations. However, river flow reconstructions proved inadequate in identifying flash flood activities. Understanding natural hazards occurrence, frequency, and magnitude is crucial for effective hazard assessment and management. Tree rings, forming annually in trees, serve as invaluable records of historical environmental conditions. A high-resolution database from tree-ring analysis helps to understand historical events and suggests strategies to mitigate natural hazards. Analyzing tree-rings provides insights into the dynamics and recurrence of natural hazards. The review paper emphasizes the critical role of dendrogeomorphology and dendrochronology in reconstructing historical natural hazards and advancing scientific understanding, which can advise more effective risk mitigation and sustainable development strategies. © Indian National Science Academy 2025.