Vertical displacement trends in the Aegean coastal zone (NE Mediterranean) during the Holocene assessed by geo-archaeological data

Abstract

Trends in the vertical displacement (i.e. uplift or subsidence) of the Aegean Sea coastal zone have been assessed by comparing observational data with those derived from the predictive glacio-hydro-isostatic model of Lambeck and Purcell (2005) for a period spanning from the Mesolithic to the late Roman times. The data base comprises published studies that use both geomorphological (with associated biological material) and archaeological sea level indicators/markers. Localities demonstrating uplift of high amplitude were detected in front of the Hellenic Arc (Antikythira, Crete, Rhodes, Nisyros) and in the northeast Aegean region (Thrace), whilst areas experiencing tectonic subsidence were mainly observed in the central Aegean region which is characterized by an extensional tectonic domain. However, regional-scale tectonic particularities have caused uplift in parts of the west and east coast of central Aegean. Tectonically ‘stable’ sites can be found in the Cyclades Plateau, however, this is due to a balance between uplifting and subsiding movements. Sediment compaction and sediment loading may have affected districts with high sedimentation rates such as the Thessaloniki Plain-Thermaikos Gulf (NW Aegean). Finally, tectonic fragmentation of the coastal area in Minor Asia is responsible for localised uplifting and subsiding events.