London, Dec 30: Researchers have revealed that the barren landscape of Tibet as is in evidence recently, was covered by thick cypress forests some 4600 years ago.
According to the research carried out by Georg Miehe of the University of Marburg in Germany, the forest was destroyed by the local inhabitants to make way for barley cultivation and grazing animals.
The researchers after having analysed climate data, pollen records and ancient soil samples from in and around Lhasa, drew the inference that the climate in the region was most suitable for the growth of the forest.
“Plenty of rainfall, little permanent frost or snow and good mean temperatures through the growing season, suited the forest growth”, New Scientist quoted Miehe as saying.
