An Introduction to Physical and Geochemicalmethods Used in Paleolimnology

Abstract

Paleolimnology is the study of past conditions and processes in lake and river basins and the interpretation of the histories of these systems. It is a multidisciplinary science whose roots extend back nearly two centuries. As pointed out by Gierlowski-Kordesch & Kelts (1994), the scientific investigation of the history of lake basins was already an important theme in the early 1800’s (e.g., Lyell, 1830; Agassiz, 1840), and played a significant role in the development of early thoughts about glaciation and eustasy. Modern paleolimnology is also a rapidly developing science that has seen tremendous progress over the past several decades. It is now clear that lacustrine sediments and sedimentary rocks represent one of the best archives for paleoenviromental information available within the entire realm of terrestrial settings. Not only does paleolimnology assume a pivotal role in paleoclimatic and global change investigations, but its importance and relevance are further enhanced by the fact that lake sediments are hosts to a wide variety of economically valuable re- sources. Moreover, recent lacustrine sediments provide an excellent means of monitoring and tracking environmental contaminants.