Sea level fluctuations during the last 4,000 years as recorded by a chenier plain, firth of Thames, New Zealand Journal Paper
- Author
- Schofield, J.C.
- Year
- 1960
- Journal / Source
- New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics
- Volume
- 3
- Number
- 3
- Pages
- 467-485
- Summary
- Constructional and erosional morphologies of beach ridges and intertidal flats of a chenier plain in the Firth of Thames are illustrated and discussed. These are used to determine a sequence of past sea levels. Radiocarbon ages for seven samples of shell permit the drawing of a reasonably accurate time–sea–level curve which correlates favourably with transgressional periods recorded along the European coast and possibly with changes in the European climate. Neglecting minor fluctuations, sea level fell 7 ft from 2,000 years b.c. to about the beginning of the Christian era and has remained relatively stable since. The sea level minimum recorded during this period is 2 ft below present level. The present rise of sea level is locally 8–9 in. per century and may well be only another minor fluctuation in an otherwise stable sea.