ScholarlyCommons

Title

Holocene sea-level changes in the Indo-Pacific

Author(s)

Sarah A. Woodroffe, University of Durham
Benjamin P. Horton, University of PennsylvaniaFollow

Document Type

Journal Article

Date of this Version

4-1-2005

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.

Comments

Postprint version. Published in Journal of Asian Earth Sciences , Volume 25, Issue 1, 2005, pages 29-43.
Publisher URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/03781127

Keywords

Holocene, Relative sea level, Steric expansion

Recommended Citation

Woodroffe, S. A., & Horton, B. P. (2005). Holocene sea-level changes in the Indo-Pacific. Retrieved from https://repository.upenn.edu/ees_papers/21