Relative water level change in the intracoastal zone of Belgium and Northern France over the last 2500 years |
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| Authors: | STEPIIEN LOlJWYE ERWIN DCCLERCQ |
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| Institution: | Laboratory for Palaeontology, University of Gent, Krijgslaan 281/58, 9000 Gent, Belgium;Department of Geography, Research Unit Marine and Coastal Geomorphology, University of Gent, Krijgslaan 281/S8, 9000 Gent, Belgium |
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| Abstract: | Water level positions during the Subatlantic in the coastal plain of Belgium and Northern France are assessed by means of indicators such as tidal Icvces, upper tidal fat deposits and mature salt marshes. The indicators are evaluated for the reconstruction of local mean high water and local mean spring high water levels in the intracoastal zone. No significant altitude difference is observcd between the indicators genetically related to the Dunkerque II inundation phase, i.c. before the land reclamations of the 10th century AD, and the medieval Climate Optimum (AD 1000–1350). There is no evidence for a high relative local water level or a watcr level rise during the medieval Climatc Optimiini. It is shown that a hydrological phenomenon, probably an estuary effect, caused water levcla to rise significantly in restricted areas of the former tidal flat during thc Dunkerque II phase. A comparison between the local water level record and the tide gaugc records at Oostende indicates a more marked fluctuation over the last 160 ycars than during the preceding 700 years. |
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