Abstract
We combined biostratigraphical analyses, archaeological surveys, and Glacial Isostatic Adjustment (GIA) models to provide new insights into the relative sea-level evolution in the northeastern Aegean Sea (eastern Mediterranean). In this area, characterized by a very complex tectonic pattern, we produced a new typology of sea-level index point, based on the foraminiferal associations found in transgressive marine facies. Our results agree with the sea-level history previously produced in this region, therefore confirming the validity of this new type of index point. The expanded dataset presented in this paper further demonstrates a continuous Holocene RSL rise in this portion of the Aegean Sea. Comparing the new RSL record with the available geophysical predictions of sea-level evolution indicates that the crustal subsidence of the Samothraki Plateau and the North Aegean Trough played a major role in controlling millennial-scale sea-level evolution in the area. This major subsidence rate needs to be taken into account in the preparation of local future scenarios of sea-level rise in the coming decades.
Highlights
A number of factors drive sea-level changes at diverse spatial and temporal timescales (Benjamin et al, 2017; Khan et al, 2017; Lambeck and Purcell, 2005; Shennan et al, 2018)
To investigate the relative sea-level evolution in a different area of the Aegean, this study aims to: (I) validate this “new” sealevel indicator in a different area of the Aegean; (II) establish a regional Relative SeaLevel (RSL) curve; and (III) compare and contrast this curve with other field-based RSL data and modeled geophysical data based on available Glacial Isostatic Adjustment (GIA) models for the Aegean region
Principal-Component Analysis (PCA) factor 1 (PCA F1), which represents the terrestrial influence based on Ti, Rb, Al, Fe, and Pb loadings, shows the lowest values of the entire profile
Summary
A number of factors drive sea-level changes (eustatic, isostatic, steric and geotectonic factors, sediment supply, coastal dynamics, and sediment compaction) at diverse spatial and temporal timescales (Benjamin et al, 2017; Khan et al, 2017; Lambeck and Purcell, 2005; Shennan et al, 2018). This is especially true for the region of the Meriç delta on the border between Greece and Turkey. The hypothesis of an isostatic-driven mid-Holocene sea-level highstand between 6000 and 3500 cal yrs BP that
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
