Using Particle Size Distribution Data for Quantitative Sea-level Reconstruction: Evidence from Recent Saltmarsh Sediments
Abstract
Ecological transfer functions are now well established as a means for reconstructing recent sea-level trends from saltmarsh sediments due to the vertical zonation of foraminifera and/or diatoms within the tidal frame. High resolution particle size distribution data show the same propensity for vertical and horizontal zonation across a saltmarsh surface as a function of tidal dynamics whereby traction load sedimentation gives way to particle settling from suspension as the flood tide gives way to slack water. This is expressed as a systematic shift in the shape of the particle size distribution with increasing elevation relative to mean high water. Indeed, these data have the advantage over ecological data as they are not affected by poor preservation, nor is the record contaminated by any allochthonous input or reworking. Further, such data may be obtained rapidly by laser granulometry. At the very minimum, particle size distribution data may be used to establish whether a given saltmarsh record is likely to preserve a record of sea-level rise as opposed to estuary infilling.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2011
- Bibcode:
- 2011AGUFMGC43D0960P
- Keywords:
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- 1641 GLOBAL CHANGE / Sea level change;
- 1861 HYDROLOGY / Sedimentation;
- 3022 MARINE GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICS / Marine sediments: processes and transport