Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Resolving uncertainties in foraminifera-based relative sea-level reconstruction: a case study from southern New Zealand

Garrett, E.; Brain, M.J.; Hayward, B.W.; Newnham, R.; Morey, C.J.; Gehrels, W.R.

Resolving uncertainties in foraminifera-based relative sea-level reconstruction: a case study from southern New Zealand Thumbnail


Authors

E. Garrett

B.W. Hayward

R. Newnham

C.J. Morey

W.R. Gehrels



Abstract

Since the pioneering work of David Scott and others in the 1970s and 1980s, foraminifera have been used to develop precise sea-level reconstructions from salt marshes around the world. In New Zealand, reconstructions feature rapid rates of sea-level rise during the early to mid 20th century. Here, we test whether infaunality, taphonomy, and sediment compaction influence these reconstructions. We find that surface (0 – 1 cm) and subsurface (3 – 4 cm) foraminiferal assemblages show a high degree of similarity. A landward shift in assemblage zones is consistent with recent sea-level rise and transgression. Changes associated with infaunality and taphonomy do not affect transfer function-based sea-level reconstructions. Applying a geotechnical modelling approach to the core from which sea-level changes were reconstructed, we demonstrate compaction is also negligible, resulting in maximum post-depositional lowering of 2.5 mm. We conclude that salt-marsh foraminifera are indeed highly accurate and precise indicators of past sea levels.

Citation

Garrett, E., Brain, M., Hayward, B., Newnham, R., Morey, C., & Gehrels, W. (2023). Resolving uncertainties in foraminifera-based relative sea-level reconstruction: a case study from southern New Zealand. Journal of foraminiferal research, 53(1), 78-89. https://doi.org/10.2113/gsjfr.53.1.78

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Nov 3, 2022
Publication Date 2023-01
Deposit Date Nov 4, 2022
Publicly Available Date Nov 9, 2022
Journal Journal of Foraminiferal Research
Print ISSN 0096-1191
Electronic ISSN 1943-264X
Publisher Cushman Foundation for Foraminiferal Research
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 53
Issue 1
Pages 78-89
DOI https://doi.org/10.2113/gsjfr.53.1.78
Publisher URL https://doi.org/10.2113/gsjfr.53.1.78

Files






You might also like



Downloadable Citations