Hydrogeography of lake Chad and environs: contemporary, historical and palaeoclimatic

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Periodical article

Title:	Hydrogeography of lake Chad and environs: contemporary, historical and palaeoclimatic
Author:	Thambyahpillay, G.G.R.
Year:	1983
Periodical:	Annals of Borno
Volume:	1
Pages:	105-145
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	Niger Northern Nigeria Cameroon Chad
Subject:	lakes
Abstract:	The contemporary phenomenon of the receding shoreline of Lake Chad has re-awakened the alarming prospect of a 'shrinking lake'. Evidence of previous fluctuations of the Lake's levels and its areal dimensions have appeared in historical documents, travellers' diaries and official records. Instrumental data in support are also available for the 20th century. However, when viewed in the context of the recent Sahel Drought (1968-1972) as related to fundamental changes in the global atmospheric circulation patterns and the circumstance of a continuing desiccation, a 'shrinking lake' becomes of real concern. On the basis of recent evidence from palaeoclimatological investigations and arising from the application of radiometric dating techniques, the attempt is made to reconstruct the palaeography of the Lake and environs dating the scenario from ca. 50,000 years BP (Before Present), through historical to contemporary time. Fig., notes, ref., tab.