Why we need more paleolimnology studies in the tropics

The state of paleolimnology in the tropics was analyzed using articles published between 1997 and 2015 in the Journal of Paleolimnology, and in other international and tropical-country-based journals. Results showed that most paleolimnological studies have been carried out in high-latitude regions. About 40% of the lakes on Earth, representing almost one-third of global lake surface area, lie within tropical latitudes. Yet in comparison to the number of paleolimnological investigations in higher-latitude lakes, there have been relatively few studies in the tropics. Our goal was to evaluate whether there has been a shift in the relative amount of effort directed toward paleolimnological work in tropical regions over the last quarter century, and if not, to call for more paleolimnological studies in the tropics and suggest ways to remedy the geographic disparity. Our analysis showed that paleolimnological studies in the tropics still lag far behind efforts at higher latitudes, prompting us to encourage more work focusing in tropical regions. To do so will require more funding from local research agencies to support paleolimnological work and train local scientists. We recommend that funded investigators from extra-tropical, developed countries should work in close collaboration with local scientists in the nations where studies are carried out, and that local students should be involved. Steps should also be taken to encourage students from tropical countries to attend international scientific meetings that focus on paleolimnology. Lastly, more such symposia should be held in tropical countries. Paleolimnological research at low latitudes can address pressing environmental issues in tropical environments, such as the effects of rapid land-use change, the eutrophication and pollution of local water bodies, and recent climate change.