Quaternary uplift along a passive continental margin (Oman, Indian Ocean)

Abstract

Crustal movement along the coastline of the Arabian Sea in Oman is quantified along a 72km long coastal section characterised by staircases of marine terraces. An extensive topographic, geomorphological and geological survey was conducted on these terraces and an age model based on cosmogenic nuclide (10Be, 36Cl) and optically stimulated luminescence dating is presented, together with a new approach to extract palaeo-shorelines from a high-resolution digital elevation model. The uplifting crustal block is fault bounded and is composed of obduction related peridotites overlain by shallow marine limestone. Nine distinct terrace levels are identified and the results indicate continuous uplift between Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5a and MIS 19. The calculated uplift rates vary along the coastline and a northward tilting of the uplifted coastal block is interpreted as evidence for differential uplift. The geomorphology of the terraces proves that the tilting must have taken place after the last interglacial. Tectonic forcing of the uplift by a crustal forebulge associated with the Makran Subduction Zone is discussed. It is also concluded that the uplift involves processes of serpentinisation of the peridotites in combination with karstification of the overlying limestone formations. As water is essential for both processes, climate change during the Quaternary apparently played a significant role in the uplift process as well as hydro-isostasy.