Abstract
The interplay of eustatic and isostatic factors causes complex relative sea-level (RSL) histories, particularly in paraglacial settings. In this context the past record of RSL is important in understanding ice-sheet history, earth rheology and resulting glacio-isostatic adjustment. Field data to develop sea-level reconstructions are often limited to shallow depths and uncertainty exists as to the veracity of modelled sea-level curves. We use seismic stratigraphy, 39 vibrocores and 26 radiocarbon dates to investigate the deglacial history of Belfast Lough, Northern Ireland, and reconstruct past RSL. A typical sequence of till, glacimarine and Holocene sediments is preserved. Two sea-level lowstands (both max. −40 m) are recorded at c. 13.5 and 11.5k cal a bp. Each is followed by a rapid transgression and subsequent periods of RSL stability. The first transgression coincides temporally with a late stage of Meltwater Pulse 1a and the RSL stability occurred between c. 13.0 and c. 12.2k cal a bp (Younger Dryas). The second still/slowstand occurred between c. 10.3 and c. 11.5k cal a bp. Our data provide constraints on the direction and timing of RSL change during deglaciation. Application of the Depth of Closure concept adds an error term to sea-level reconstructions based on seismic stratigraphic reconstructions.
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 285-298 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| Journal | Journal of Quaternary Science |
| Volume | 34 |
| Issue number | 4-5 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 28 Jun 2019 |
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Keywords
- post-glacial relative sea-level change
- high-resolution seismics
- glacio-isostatic adjustment (GIA)
- stillstand/slowstand
- Younger Dryas
Cite this
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Late Quaternary sea-level change and evolution of Belfast Lough, Northern Ireland : new offshore evidence and implications for sea-level reconstruction. / Plets, Ruth; Callard, Louise; Cooper, Andrew; Kelley, J. T.; Belknap, Daniel; Edwards, Robin; Long, Antony; Quinn, Rory; Jackson, DWT.
In: Journal of Quaternary Science, Vol. 34, No. 4-5, 28.06.2019, p. 285-298.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
TY - JOUR
T1 - Late Quaternary sea-level change and evolution of Belfast Lough, Northern Ireland
T2 - Journal of Quaternary Science
AU - Plets, Ruth
AU - Callard, Louise
AU - Cooper, Andrew
AU - Kelley, J. T.
AU - Belknap, Daniel
AU - Edwards, Robin
AU - Long, Antony
AU - Quinn, Rory
AU - Jackson, DWT
N1 - This study is part of the NERC funded project NE/H024301/1, “Late Glacial Sea Level Minima.”
PY - 2019/6/28
Y1 - 2019/6/28
N2 - The interplay of eustatic and isostatic factors causes complex relative sea-level (RSL) histories, particularly in paraglacial settings. In this context the past record of RSL is important in understanding ice-sheet history, earth rheology and resulting glacio-isostatic adjustment. Field data to develop sea-level reconstructions are often limited to shallow depths and uncertainty exists as to the veracity of modelled sea-level curves. We use seismic stratigraphy, 39 vibrocores and 26 radiocarbon dates to investigate the deglacial history of Belfast Lough, Northern Ireland, and reconstruct past RSL. A typical sequence of till, glacimarine and Holocene sediments is preserved. Two sea-level lowstands (both max. −40 m) are recorded at c. 13.5 and 11.5k cal a bp. Each is followed by a rapid transgression and subsequent periods of RSL stability. The first transgression coincides temporally with a late stage of Meltwater Pulse 1a and the RSL stability occurred between c. 13.0 and c. 12.2k cal a bp (Younger Dryas). The second still/slowstand occurred between c. 10.3 and c. 11.5k cal a bp. Our data provide constraints on the direction and timing of RSL change during deglaciation. Application of the Depth of Closure concept adds an error term to sea-level reconstructions based on seismic stratigraphic reconstructions.
AB - The interplay of eustatic and isostatic factors causes complex relative sea-level (RSL) histories, particularly in paraglacial settings. In this context the past record of RSL is important in understanding ice-sheet history, earth rheology and resulting glacio-isostatic adjustment. Field data to develop sea-level reconstructions are often limited to shallow depths and uncertainty exists as to the veracity of modelled sea-level curves. We use seismic stratigraphy, 39 vibrocores and 26 radiocarbon dates to investigate the deglacial history of Belfast Lough, Northern Ireland, and reconstruct past RSL. A typical sequence of till, glacimarine and Holocene sediments is preserved. Two sea-level lowstands (both max. −40 m) are recorded at c. 13.5 and 11.5k cal a bp. Each is followed by a rapid transgression and subsequent periods of RSL stability. The first transgression coincides temporally with a late stage of Meltwater Pulse 1a and the RSL stability occurred between c. 13.0 and c. 12.2k cal a bp (Younger Dryas). The second still/slowstand occurred between c. 10.3 and c. 11.5k cal a bp. Our data provide constraints on the direction and timing of RSL change during deglaciation. Application of the Depth of Closure concept adds an error term to sea-level reconstructions based on seismic stratigraphic reconstructions.
KW - post-glacial relative sea-level change
KW - high-resolution seismics
KW - glacio-isostatic adjustment (GIA)
KW - stillstand/slowstand
KW - Younger Dryas
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85070386907&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1002/jqs.3100
DO - 10.1002/jqs.3100
M3 - Article
VL - 34
SP - 285
EP - 298
JO - Journal of Quaternary Science
JF - Journal of Quaternary Science
SN - 0267-8179
IS - 4-5
ER -