Future Prospects of Quaternary Climatic Studies of Sri Lanka; A Review

Abstract

The Quaternary Research Working Group (QRWG) of Sri Lanka was set up at the 11th AGM of Geological Society of Sri Lanka (GSSL) in 1995 to encourage the researchers who are keen on Quaternary Studies of Sri Lanka. For this purpose, the QRWS successfully completed two field visits in the southern and northwestern coastal zones to observe the Quaternary and Holocene formations of Sri Lanka, although, we failed to organize an International Conference or proposed a one-day awareness Workshop/Seminar due to lack of funding. Hence, the Quaternary Research in Sri Lanka comes into view as a neglected field. However, the Group compiled a bibliography including twenty-six (26) subject categories relating to the Sri Lankan Quaternary. However, it is very difficult to fulfill the research gaps in relation to Quaternary Geography, Quaternary Climatology and Quaternary Ecology in detail. The Quaternary studies of Sri Lanka emerged since 1908, and pioneer scientists were British, Canadians, Germans, Indians and Sri Lankans. They described the Palaeolithic stone tools, cannibalistic Balangoda Man, the fossils of extinct animals and past climatic phases of Sri Lanka. Stratigraphic sequences, constituent material, locations and some age determinations on Quaternary formations have been completed by a few scientists. These scientists are undertaking Quaternary studies emphasizing different disciplines with limited facilities and funding. Also, the lack of age determination facilities in Sri Lanka is the main obstacle for the Quaternary studies of Sri Lanka.