Scientists to study climate fluctuation

KATHMANDU, June 27: Scientists, professors and students of environmental science have come together to study climate fluctuations and its effect on the growth of tree.



The Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) said that the scientists, including those from foreign universities, will conduct a laboratory study of tree rings which will ultimately help to predict the pattern of environmental history. [break]



“The study of the tree ring can even help ascertain the fluctuation in temperature,” a scientist with NAST Dr Dinesh Bhuju said.



The tree rings also reveal the pattern of environmental change. Trees can be of great help in understanding the environment. Each ring of the tree denotes a year of its life span. The entire ring pattern of the tree reflects the climatic conditions in which the tree grew.



For example, said Dr Bhuju, adequate moisture and a long growing season result in a wide ring whereas a year of drought may form a very narrow one. Varying poor and favorable conditions, such as mid-summer droughts, can result in several ring forms for that particular year. "The width and breadth of rings are not equal," he said adding, "Based on that environmental history can be reconstructed."



The NAST said that half of the participants are master´s degree and Ph D level students and remaining half are professors. The professors from foreign universities will assist the participants in the study. Dr Bhuju said 25 participants are taking part in the five-day work shop organized by NAST that began from Monday. “The findings of the workshop will contribute in building environmental policy,” he added.

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