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Flandrian sea-level changes in the Fenland. I: The geographical setting and evidence of relative sea-level changes
Ian Shennan,
Ian Shennan
Department of Geography, University of Durham, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
Search for more papers by this authorIan Shennan,
Ian Shennan
Department of Geography, University of Durham, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
The Flandrian sediments of the Fenland record the infilling of the Wash embayment on the east coast of England, UK. Since at least 6500 BP changes in sea level have been a major control on the rate and pattern of sediment accumulation. New data are presented from the area which together with published information allow the reconstruction of palaeoenvironments from 6500 to 2500 BP. The major environmental changes involved alternations between freshwater fen and intertidal marine sedimentation. Each episode was characterised by transitional changes as vegetation and sediment zones shifted over large areas. Marine/brackish sediments are found up to 45 km inland of the present coast. Radiocarbon dated sea-level index points, with relevant stratigraphic and micropalaeontological data, ranging from 6415 BP at −8.17m OD to 2595 BP at +1.45m OD, are described.
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