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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database
GCAGS Transactions
Abstract
Abstract: Pleistocene
Sea
Levels and Seismic Stratigraphy
Peter K. Trabant
ABSTRACT
Close scrutiny of the global oxygen isotope record, depicting climatic changes and correlative fluctuations in sea
level
over the past million years, reveals a complex yet well-defined cyclic saw-tooth curve. Individual 100 ka (Milankovitch) cycles depict changes in
sea
level
on the order of 100 meters (330 feet). The curve is characterized by slow irregular drops from
sea
level
high stands (regressions) lasting approximately 80 ka; while the low stands are followed by relatively rapid rises (transgressions) of approximately 10 ka in duration. This record contradicts those published eustatic curves currently used in the interpretation of Pleistocene seismic stratigraphic sequences. Interpretations of high resolution seismic reflection profiles, in terms of measured and oxygen isotope-derived
sea
level
curves, reveal the finer details of the Pleistocene sedimentary depositional record; where individual stratigraphic sequences may be accurately correlated with fluctuations in
sea
level
, where the
systems
tracts
geometrics define the specific sedimentary depositional environments. Detailed interpretations based upon available
sea
level
curves and oxygen isotope data should greatly enhance exploration efforts, by providing seismic stratigraphic models tied directly to time-spatial climatic sedimentary distribution
systems
.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ASSOCIATED FOOTNOTES
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Copyright © 1999 by The Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies