Periglacial research in Africa: past, present and future

With global periglacial geomorphology undergoing significant advancements, it is appropriate to review the past and current status of such research in Africa. A brief historical overview of research outputs and approaches is presented for the respective African regions. Potential future quantitative periglacial research needs and approaches identified for Africa include: the examination of active periglacial processes, the identification of landforms and ground-ice forms, the potential for environmental change and the palaeoenvironmental reconstruction, and the application of periglacial studies. It is demonstrated that while periglacial geomorphology has progressed significantly in southern Africa, there has been little or no advancement elsewhere on the continent over the last two decades. None the less, on a more positive note, it is concluded that Africa has considerable potential in future global periglacial research.