Abstract Stable isotope ratios of cave bat guano reflect environmental influences at the soil and plant level within the foraging range of the bats. Carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen isotopes have utility in reconstructing precipitation and temperature as well as in tracing the influence of large-scale atmospheric circulation and climate variability. Guano-derived stable isotope time series have been demonstrated to effectively provide high-resolution records of palaeoenvironmental variation from the late Pleistocene to present. Owing to their influence on these isotopes, factors such as bat ecology, species foraging range and site location must be considered when interpreting such records. Research analysing the isotopic composition of guano has provided a highly resolved history of vegetation and climate dynamics previously less understood. In this chapter we discuss the factors influencing the δ 13 C, δ 15 N and δ 2 H values in guano and provide an up-to-date review of cave guano as palaeo-climate archive.

Abstract Geological survey was first set up in Malaysia in 1903 mainly to facilitate tin mining activities that were started in the 1820s. Nevertheless, upon merging with the Department of Mines to form the Department of Mineral and Geoscience Malaysia (JMG), and also in order to meet the changing national needs, the new department has become increasingly relevant to a wide range of important national issues that help improve the well-being of society and contribute to the socio-economic development, an aspect that this paper describes. The changing role of the department is well reflected by the department being listed as a member of more than 57 technical committees in the country in the field of land-use planning, groundwater-resources management and mitigation of hazards. As we advance into the future, the department needs to ensure it is capable of rendering a more holistic service covering a wider spectrum of geological and geoscience activities to cater for the ever-increasing demands from society, industries, stakeholders and the government. For that reason, the Geological Survey Act, 1974 is being revised to beef up and provide the necessary jurisdiction in line with the duties, responsibilities and roles played by the JMG.