Holocene sea-level changes in the Indo-Pacific

Woodroffe, S.A.; Horton, B.P.

Abstract

Holocene sea-level reconstructions exist from many locations in the Indo-Pacific region. Despite being a large geographical region, the nature of Holocene sea-level change is broadly similar in all locations. Differences do exist, however, in the timing and magnitude of the Mid-Holocene High Stand (MHHS) and the nature of late Holocene sea level fall across the region. When the Indo-Pacific is subdivided into smaller regions, these discrepancies do not disappear, and in some cases the discrepancies are large within a single coastline. It is clear from this analysis that the fundamental criteria to produce accurate local relative sea-level curves are hardly ever met. There are serious problems associated with the correct interpretation of sea-level indicators and their relationship to mean sea level, and with the quality of age determinations. A consistent methodology throughout the Indo-Pacific for the analysis of sea level data is lacking. Future sea-level analysis from far field locations must involve the application of a consistent methodology in order to allow meaningful comparison between studies. This should help to resolve the ongoing debate about the magnitude and timing of the Mid-Holocene High Stand, and the nature of late Holocene sea-level fall across the region.

Citation

Woodroffe, S., & Horton, B. (2005). Holocene sea-level changes in the Indo-Pacific. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 25(1), 29-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jseaes.2004.01.009

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Apr 1, 2005
• Deposit Date: Apr 7, 2008
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 7, 2008
• Journal: Journal of Asian Earth Sciences
• Print ISSN: 1367-9120
• Electronic ISSN: 1878-5786
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 25
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 29-43
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jseaes.2004.01.009
• Keywords: Holocene, Relative sea level, Steric expansion.
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1558570