http://people.rses.anu.edu.au/lambeck_k/pdf/193.pdf

Refining the eustatic sea-level curve since the Last Glacial Maximum using far- and intermediate-field sites

Possible influence of salinity and temperature on modern shelf carbonate sedimentation

Interpretations of 35,000 km (21,900 mi) of single-channel, high-resolution, seismic profiles traversing the continental shelf and upper continental slope of the northwest Gulf of Mexico indicate the existence of five late Wisconsinan shelf margin deltas, including the Rio Grande and Mississippi deltas. The deltas were recognized by geomorphic pattern, high-angle clinoform seismic reflections, and association with buried river systems. Isopach patterns show that the deltas range in size up to 5,000 km2 (1,900 mi2) and reach thicknesses of over 180 m (590 ft). The deposits are elongate parallel with depositional strike, indicating subsidence of the shelf margin as a whole. Internal reflection patterns show the deltas to be fluvially dominated. Multilo ate structure resulted from both short-term eustatic sea level fluctuations and delta switching. The late Quaternary shelf-margin deltas provide models for analogous deposits in the ancient record. They are primary indicators of the position of ancient shelf margins, and are important for predicting sand occurrence in that environment as well as farther downslope. As exploration moves to the shelf edge and beyond, instability hazards posed by late Wisconsinan deltas, as well as older deposits, must be understood and dealt with.

Late Quaternary Shelf-Margin Deltas, Northwest Gulf of Mexico

https://eprints.ucm.es/25618/1/1-s2.0-S0377027300001955_01.pdf

The Canary Islands origin: a unifying model

There have been significant changes in sea level over the past two million years, and a complete understanding of natural cycles of change as well as anthropogenic effects is imperative for future global development. This book reviews the history of research into these sea-level changes and summarises the methods and analytical approaches used to interpret evidence for sea-level changes. It provides an overview of changing climates during the Quaternary, examines processes responsible for global variability of sea-level records, and presents detailed reviews of sea-level changes for the Pleistocene and Holocene. The book concludes by discussing current trends in sea levels and likely future sea-level changes. This is an important and authoritative resource for academic researchers and graduate and advanced undergraduate students working in tectonics, stratigraphy, geomorphology, physical geography, environmental science and other aspects of Quaternary studies.

Quaternary Sea-Level Changes: A Global Perspective

Northwestern African continental shelf sediments

Continental shelf geomorphic features off Portuguese Guinea, Guinea, and Sierra Leone (West Africa)

Continuous subbottom profiling on the northwestern African continental terrace indicates that depositional, erosional, and deformational processes have been active since Cenozoic time. The more complex structural features (folds and faults) are related to the Alpine tectonics of extreme northwest Africa. Less complicated structures occur toward the south. Following widespread Pleistocene erosion, strata reached thicknesses of 35 m. The 150-m depth of the Moroccan shelf break probably is related to downbending associated with the last phases of the Alpine orogeny. In this region crustal movements have had a strong effect on the framework and attitude of the shelf. Differential erosion of the deformed and warped beds has produced a rough shelf surface.

Seismic Reflectivity Studies on Northwestern African Continental Shelf: Strait of Gibraltar to Mauritania

Continuous seismic-reflection profiles reveal a south-southeast-dipping Fall Zone surface on which deposits of probable Late Cretaceous age occur. A distinct cuesta and inner lowland, which mark the inshore edge of these deposits, are traceable across the sounds between Long Island and the Martha's Vineyard area. Post-Cretaceous erosion cycles produced a well-defined drainage system on the Fall Zone surface and coastal plain formations. The locations of many of the linear depressions on the present bottom surface of the sounds are closely related to these post-Cretaceous valleys. Glacial events have had a minimal effect on this inner shelf although locally thick Pleistocene deposits may be present in the inner lowland. Finally, thin accumulations of post-glacial sediments overlie a distinctive erosion surface of late Wisconsin or early Holocene age.

Thomas P. Lachance

Papers

Northwestern African continental shelf sediments

Continental shelf geomorphic features off Portuguese Guinea, Guinea, and Sierra Leone (West Africa)

Seismic Reflectivity Studies on Northwestern African Continental Shelf: Strait of Gibraltar to Mauritania

Seismic-Reflection Studies in Block Island and Rhode Island Sounds