Abstract
Wave-cut terraces and scarps record at least two higher-than-present Holocene sea-level events in coastal South Carolina. The higher event reached 110 cm and the lower 80 cm above local, mean spring high water (MSHW). These events occurred subsequent to the formation of the Holocene Old Island barrier island and prior to Wilmington aboriginal occupation 1600 years ago. Shell middens are located on the terrace surfaces. These wave-cut features were formed in a marsh-filled lagoon sheltered from the open ocean by seaward barrier islands. These terraces and scarps are evidence supporting the higher-than-present sea-level events predicted for this region by the Clark et al. (1978) geophysical model of Holocene sea-level recovery. In addition, they support a Fairbridge (1961)-type Holocene sea-level curve, one characterized by oscillations above and below present position. Holocene sea-level fluctuations probably were a prime factor in the episodic progradation of this area, given that in this vicinity the nearshore region is the primary sand source.
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