The future of Quaternary research

Abstract

A distancing between Quaternary geology and that of earlier geological time appears to have developed in Britain over the last 20 years, in contrast to the situation in many other countries, where the Quaternary occupies a much more solid position in geological education and research. Yet Quaternary research can provide information on the nature and rates of natural processes that have operated throughout geological time, and is of significant practical importance in such fields as engineering geology, mineral prospecting, agriculture and water resources. It also provides a fundamental baseline from which to assess many environmental problems (e.g. pollution, acid rain, ‘greenhouse effects’ on climate, drought, and sea-level change) and their possible future impact. Four questions regarding the future of Quaternary research are addressed: what has to be done, where will it best be done, who will do it, and who will pay for it? It is concluded that the Quaternary is an integral part of the earth sciences and should be taught as such, and that it is a fundamental discipline in understanding our environment, its past evolution, present state and future development.