Reconstruction of relative sea-level changes based on a multiproxy study of isolated basins on the Onega Peninsula (the White Sea, northwestern Russia)

Abstract

This study presents the results of lithological, diatom, geochemical analyses and radiocarbon chronology of the bottom lake sediments and peat bogs in the central part of the Onega Peninsula (the southern coast of the White Sea): Lake Maloye Murakanskoye (11.0 m a.s.l.), Lake Zhirovskoye (9.5 m a.s.l.), Lake Murakanskoye (7 m a.s.l.), and the Gorbovatiy Mokh bog (6.5 m a.s.l.). The bottom topography and sediments of Lake Murakanskoye were examined using sonar and ground penetration radar (GPR) survey, whereas in the other locations only the water depth was measured. Then, the digital models of the lake bottom topography were created. As an additional indicator of the relative sea-level (RSL) position, we used data on the altitude of the coastal terraces. Evidences of two transgressions in the White Sea (late glacial and Middle Holocene) are revealed. The transgressions were interrupted by two regressions (Early and Late Holocene). Our studies do not allow us to make a clear conclusion about the time and maximum level of the late glacial transgression. However, we may suggest that its level was above 11 m a.s.l. The regression of the Early Holocene started before 10.6–10.2 ka cal BP when the water level in the study area dropped below the altitude of 11m. At 9.4–9.1 ka cal BP the RSL was at an altitude of ca 7m. The Middle Holocene transgression (Tapes) started after 8.4 ka cal BP. The maximum level was reached before 7.4 ka cal BP and did not exceed an altitude of 9.5 m. The RSL stabilized at an altitude about 8.5–8 m during 7.4–6.0 ka cal BP. During 6.0–3.9 ka cal BP RSL very slowly decreased or fluctuated by the level of 8–7 m. RSL began to fall from the 7 m altitude about 4.0–3.9 ka cal BP and by 2.7–2.3 ka cal BP the sea-level reached 4.5 m. After that RSL dropped to its modern position. During the last 4.0 ka cal BP the rate of RSL fall was approximately 0.17–0.18 cm/year.