The realization that a historical perspective is often useful if not essential to the understanding of most limnological processes has resulted in the recent surge of interest in paleolimnology. The main aim of the Journal of Paleolimnology is the provision of a vehicle for the rapid dissemination of original scientific work dealing with the reconstruction of lake histories. Although the majority of papers deal with lakes paleoenvironmental studies of river wetland peatland and estuary systems are also eligible for publication. The Journal of Paleolimnology like the subject itself is multidisciplinary in nature and papers are published that are concerned with all aspects (e.g. biological chemical physical geological etc.) of the reconstruction and interpretation of lake histories. Both applied and more theoretical papers are equally encouraged. The Journal of Paleolimnology will continue to be a major repository for papers dealing with climatic change as well as other pressing topics such as global environmental change lake acidification eutrophication long-term monitoring and other aspects of lake ontogeny. Taxonomic and methodological papers are also acceptable provided they are of relatively broad interest. In addition to original data and ideas the Journal of Paleolimnology also publishes review articles commentaries and program announcements. A relevant Book Review section is also featured.