possibilities of major climatic modification and their implications: Northwest India, a case for study1

On the basis of field observations and theoretical studies it is believed that the dense pall of local dust over northwestern India and West Pakistan is a significant factor in the development of subsidence over the desert. Archeological evidence derived from the northern portion of the desert within India suggests a pattern of intermittent occupation with the role of man being important in making the desert. As man has made the desert, so through surface stabilization can he reduce the dust and consequently modify the subsidence and precipitation patterns in the region. The social consequences of such climatic modification are briefly considered.