Analysis of the geological evidence for Holocene sea-level movements in southeast England

Sea-level indicators in the form of shells, geosols, over-consolidated horizons and biogenic material interleaved in marine sediments, provide evidence of relative sea-level movements. Data collected largely from studies undertaken since 1950, show the sea surface rising from below -30 m O.D. at c. 9300 BP to above +0.5 m O.D. by c. 1700 BP. Details of individual studies are discussed on an areal basis. Ninety four indicator points dated either by radiocarbon or relative pollen techniques have been established and plotted on a time-depth graph. Of these, 55 were taken as providing reliable ¹⁴C and height evidence for the movement of MHWST. Statistical analysis of this data, using multiple regression and series of events techniques, suggests that a smoothly rising, exponential form of sea level rise does not form the best solution to the data and that alterations in the speed and direction of recovery may have occurred. A non-random environmental process may have been of primary importance in influencing the development and timing of sea-level indicators. Evidence is presented for the influences of climatic change and man in inducing coastal flooding after c. 3000 BP.