Subfossil insect remains (Chironomidae) and lake-water temperature inference in the Sisimiut–Kangerlussuaq region, southern West Greenland

Abstract

Climate and water temperature have an important influence on the functioning of lake ecosystems. From limnological and palaeolimnological studies of lakes, information on biological diversity and climate variability in time and space can be gleaned from physical, chemical and biological indicators preserved in the lake sediments. The lakes in southern West Greenland are particularly useful for this purpose – they are numerous, diverse and have minimal anthropogenic impact (Anderson & Bennike 1997). Palaeolimnological data are fundamental for understanding the functioning and development of modern lakes and for understanding the causes of climatic change as well as the effect on lake biota.