Holocene relative sea-level changes from submerged tidal notches: A methodological approach

Abstract

Underwater geomorphological survey may reveal evidence of submerged tidal notches. In this paper, we present the methodology with the aim to reveal past temporary standstills of relative sea-level. Some examples of tidal notch development and tectonic movements are provided from fossil submerged notches mainly from Greece A vertical movement causes a displacement of the intertidal bioerosion zone. For this reason the tidal notch profile reflects changes that occurred in the relative sea-level. If the movement is rapid a new tidal notch will be formed On the contrary, if the movement is slower than the intertidal bioerosion rate, the height of the notch will increase. For this reason underwater marks on carbonate cliffs may provide evidence of recent vertical shoreline displacements of gradual or co-seismic origin.