New data on the sedimentary processes and timing of the initial inundation of Lower Khuzestan (SW Iran) by the Persian Gulf

Abstract

The early- and mid-Holocene deposits of the Lower Khuzestan plain at the north-eastern margin of the Persian Gulf have been investigated by means of facies analysis of sediment successions of undisturbed cores. Organic material and molluscs have been selected for dating by radiocarbon whereby possible contamination by hard-water effect is discussed. The results suggest that the Holocene transgression in Mesopotamia may have taken place later than generally accepted. Before ca. 7700–7900 yr cal. BP, the plain was characterized by mud-dominated fluvial systems. During the mid-Holocene, tides invaded the existing valleys, and the sedimentary environment shifted from fluvial to estuarine but not as extensively as has previously been suggested. The estuarine environments lasted for about 2000–2500 years until ca. 4850–5000 yr cal. BP when the seaward part of the plain was again characterized by widespread fluvial sedimentation.