Application of tree-ring data in development of long-term discharge of River Satluj

Abstract

Variability in water discharge of the rivers originating in high Himalayan ranges affects water availability for domestic, agricultural and other socio-economic needs of local and downstream people. The observational river discharge data are limited and preclude the understanding of natural variability which is needed to evolve sustainable water resource management plans. We explore here the possibility of extending available measured Satluj River discharge data back in time using ring-width chronology of Himalayan cedar (AD 1380�2005) developed from a moisture-stressed site in the Satluj River basin. Tree-ring-width chronology showed direct relationship with monthly river discharge from October of the previous year to September of the current year. The existence of such a relationship revealed that the network of tree-ring-width chronologies from moisture-stressed sites should be useful in developing robust reconstructions of river discharge required to understand its dynamics in the long-term perspective.