Palaeodrainages of the Sunda Shelf detailed in new maps

Abstract

The Sunda Shelf is a prime biodiversity hotspot where some of the planet's most endemic species can be found. Much of the diversity in this important bioregion has been shaped by sea-level fluctuations that took place during the Pleistocene. Using depth contours obtained from the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans Grid 2023, we provide high-resolution reconstruction of land areas and palaeo-drainages on the Sunda Shelf at the 50, 75, 100, and 120 m isobaths, as well as palaeo-catchments at the 120 m isobath, in order to elucidate the history of this region. The maps presented here aim to reconstruct the connection between palaeo-rivers in the Sunda Shelf and contemporary rivers and identify possible dispersal routes and barriers for the floras and faunas/biotas associated with riverine systems found here.