3D Seismics As A Source For Mitigation Mapping Of The Late Pleistocene And Holocene Depositional Systems

Abstract

Through interpretation of oil industry and BGS seismic data, the project team has successfully mapped palaeolandscape and palaeocoastline features present in Late Pleistocene and Holocene sediments of the Southern North Sea. This mapping has helped define the emergent Mesolithic landscape of Doggerland during the last glaciation, the evolution of its coastline and its eventual inundation during post-glacial marine transgression. The work has also revealed insights into the potential influence had by subterranean salt tectonics on the course of terrestrial Mesolithic river systems. Warping of the seafloor since inundation confirms that in order to predict the Mesolithic distribution of Doggerland it is necessary to use the seismic interpretation techniques developed in this study. Success of the NSPP has led English Heritage (EH) to recognise the need to identify and assess potential sources of useful offshore seismic survey data. In addition, English Heritage recognises the importance of correlating features interpreted within seismic sections with borehole log and core evidence. Archaeological significance may be established by recovery of finds from both onshore and offshore equivalents. The NSPP project variation was created to begin to address the need to catalogue these sources of evidence in order that future work may move beyond the current scope, the Southern North Sea.