Late Weichselian shore displacement in Halland, southwestern Sweden: relative sea‐level changes and their glacio‐isostatic implications

Abstract

An analysis of Late Weichselian sediments from basins in southern and central Halland, southwestern Sweden was carried out. Together with evaluation of previously reported data from the area (isolated basins, highest shore levels, glaciofluvial delta levels, periglacial features, and early Holocene shore levels), this has provided the basis for constructing shore displacement curves for the area, covering the approximate time interval 14 000–9000 BP. There is a general fall in relative sea level (RSL) during this period. The average regression rate until the late Younger Dryas (c. 10 300 BP) is 15–20 mm/yr. During the Younger Dryas the regression is possibly interrupted by minor transgressive phases. The RSL fall is rapid between c. 10 300 and 9500 BP. A halted glacio‐isostatic rebound during the Younger Dryas, as the result of glacier growth, is suggested as a cause of the observed pattern of RSL change. Previously reported transgressive events during the early late‐glacial phase are discussed with regard to global eustatic rise, glacio‐isostatic loading and glaciolacustrine damming events.