Midges and palaeotemperature reconstruction - the North American experience

The development of midge-based palaeoclimatology in North America is reviewed, with a focus on Lateglacial and Holocene climatic change. Although relatively few sites have been studied, midge-inferred palaeotemperatures reveal detailed records of Lateglacial climate oscillations and more subtle Holocene temperature changes. Holocene climate changes are often at, or near, the detection limit using current palaeotemperature inference models. Interference from other environmental variables, including water depth and oxygen concentration changes are discussed, as well as the challenges inherent to developing better models. The isotopic signature of chitin preserved in midge head capsules has opened new avenues for midge-palaeotemperature inference. Through coordinated research efforts, national and international collaborations will provide opportunities to reconstruct Holocene palaeoclimate at continental and hemispheric scales. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.