Transgressions and regressions: a model for the influence of tectonic subsidence, deposition and eustasy, with application to Quaternary and Carboniferous examples

Abstract

The position of a coastline in time and space is determined by (1) the vertical displacement and/or tilting of the depositional surface, (2) the rate of sediment accumulation or erosion across that surface, and (3) variation of sea-level. All three rates of change may vary through time. We present computer simulations of coastline movements that illustrate the interaction of the above variables, with (1) and (2) held at various defined levels whilst (3) is varied according to the late Quaternary glacio-eustatic sea-level curve. The Corinth Canal section in central Greece exposes uplifted late Quaternary coastal transgressive cycles, each of which may be related to a radiometrically dated, c. 100 ka duration, cycle of sea-level change. Observed stratigraphic sequence geometries are predicted by forward modelling based on the known glacio-eustatic history over the last 430 ka. Milankovitch orbital parameters are calculated for the Carboniferous period. The obliquity and precession parameters are found to have been significantly shorter than at present. A simulation is presented of the effects of sea-level changes across low gradient, fluvio-deltaic environments such as existed in northern England and other parts of the Laurentian continental margin during Upper Carboniferous time.

Coastal response to late-stage transgression and sea-level highstand

“…However, given the regional extent of early to mid-Holocene rSLR along most of the Brazilian coast, the variability in UMP can be directly related to the antecedent topography and the wave energy available for upland erosion. Each of these drivers is modifi ed by local and regional geologic, oceanographic, and climatic controls such as tectonics, shelf width, coastal confi guration, substrate type, slope, local subsidence, and climate changes (Curray, 1964;Collier et al, 1990;Wolinsky and Murray, 2009;Moore et al, 2010). Moreover, climatic conditions, oceanographic conditions, and sediment supply rates and directions all vary significantly along the Brazilian coast (Dominguez, 2009).…”

Foraminiferal biostratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy across the mid-Carboniferous boundary in the Central Taurides, Turkey

“…High-frequency fourth, fifth, or higher order shallowing-upward depositional cycles are the building blocks of lower-frequency (thirdorder) depositional sequences in carbonates (Goldhammer et al 1990;Read 1995). Climatic variations result from cyclic changes in the earth's orbital parameters such as Collier et al (1990) based on their computer simulations of coastline movement that illustrate the interaction of the tectonic subsidence, deposition and eustasy estimated that Carboniferous precession had periodicities of approximately 19.5 ky and 16.6 ky and obliquity had a period of 31.1 ky. The time interval represented by strata at the studied section is approximately 2 my by comparison with correlative cycles and horizon boundaries in the Donets Basin identified by Izart et al (2003).…”

On the periodicity and magnitude of Late Carboniferous glacio-eustatie sea-level changes

“…Sea-level variations brought about by glacio-eustatic orbital forcing (due to the Milankovitch effect) have previously been proposed as the major control on Late Carboniferous cycle periods (Heckel 1986;Veevers & Powell 1987;Leeder 1988;Collier et al 1990). The orbital parameters and the resulting variations in insolation can be resolved mathematically, and their potential effect on climate can be estimated using Berger's (1978) algorithms.…”

“…Since the confirmation of the Milankovitch effect from the Quaternary record (Hays et al 1976) several authors have supported the early hypothesis (Wanless & Shepard 1936) that Milankovitch driven glacio-eustacy caused Late Palaeozoic sedimentary cycles (Crowell 1978;Heckel 1986;Veevers & Powell 1987;Walkden 1987;Leeder 1988;Collier et al 1990). However, Algeo & Wilkinson (1988) pointed out that because of convergence in deposition rates in many sedimentary environments, mesoscale (1CL100m thick) sedimentary cycles will invariably give periodicities within the Milankovitch range.…”