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Geological Society, London, Special Publications; 2000; v. 166; p. 9-39;
DOI: 10.1144/GSL.SP.2000.166.01.02
© 2000 Geological Society of London

Analysis and interpretation of Holocene sedimentary sequences in the Humber Estuary

J. Ridgway1, J. E. Andrews2, S. Ellis3, B. P. Horton4, J. B. Innes4, R. W. O’B. Knox1, J. J. McArthur4,5, B. A. Maher2, S. E. Metcalfe6, A. Mitlehner6, A. Parkes3,7, J. G. Rees1, G. M. Samways2,8 & I. Shennan4

1 British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG, UK j.ridgway{at}bgs.ac.uk
2 University of East Anglia, School of Environmental Sciences, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
3 University of Hull, School of Geography and Earth Resources, Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
4 University of Durham, Department of Geography, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
5 Meteorological Office, Beaufort Park, East Hampstead, Wokingham RG40 3DN, UK
6 University of Edinburgh, Department of Geography, Drummond Street, Edinburgh EH8 9XP, UK
7 Northsea Software Systems, 18 Newlands House, Newlands Science Park, Inglemire Lane, Hull HU6 7TQ, UK
8 Badley Ashton and Associates, Winceby House, Winceby, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6PB, UK

The interpretation of the Holocene evolution of the Humber Estuary has been made possible only through integrated multidisciplinary studies involving inter alia: drilling, to obtain sedimentary records of the Holocene Estuary fill; multi-element, carbon-nitrogen-sulphur and stable carbon isotope geochemistry; heavy and clay mineralogy; palaeomagnetism; radio-carbon dating; and pollen, diatom and foraminiferal studies. Eight chemostratigraphic suites and 14 palaeo-environments have been recognized. Sediment types, environments of deposition and provenance change in response to rising sea-level, showing a range from freshwater fluvial deposition of locally derived terrestrial sediment to intertidal and subtidal deposition of sediments from marine sources. The methods used are illustrated with reference to sediment cores from inner and outer estuary locations. The results show that Holocene environmental characterization is most secure when a number of different, but complementary, techniques are used. The integration of radiocarbon dates with palaeomagnetic and geochemical data improves the understanding of the presence and significance of time breaks, which is crucial to constraining sedimentation rates and material budgets.





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A. J. Long, R. G. Scaife, and R. J. Edwards
Stratigraphic architecture, relative sea-level, and models of estuary development in southern England: new data from Southampton Water
Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 2000; 175: 253 - 279.
[Abstract] [PDF]