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Abstract: Quaternary formations in western Rajasthan are of fluvial, locustrinal and aeolian origins. Fossil gravel ridge of Jayal in Nagaur District is one of the earliest quaternary formations so far recorded in the region. A rich lower palaeolithic habitation-cum-workshop site has been discovered in association with the gravel ridge. Multiple evidence for climatic change in the area during the quaternary period is discussed.

Abstract: There is considerable controversy regarding the mode of deposition of the OCP culture-associated sediments in the Gangetic valley and their ecological implications. SEM and sedimentologic studies show a fluvial mode of deposition of sediments originally derived from a glacial environment.

Radiocarbon dates on pedogenic CaCO3, accumulated at various depths in a stabilised dune at Budha Pushkar, Rajasthan, show inversion with respect to ‘stratigraphy’. Occurrence of younger carbonates overlain by older ones at various levels, is interpreted in terms of a shift in climatic conditions causing pedogenic carbonates to be leached to greater depths. Based on this model, several wetter regions during the last 6000 years have been identified. The most significant shift from a dry to a wet phase seems to have taken place between 5000 and 4500 years ago. Conclusions drawn from this study is in agreement with that based on pollen data and extends this method as a potential palaeoclimatic indicator.