Driving mechanisms of coastal change: Peat compaction and the destruction of late Holocene coastal wetlands

摘要: Abstract This paper examines the role of peat compaction as a driving mechanism behind widespread inundation late Holocene coastal wetland in southeast England, UK. Detailed stratigraphic and dating evidence (lithology, grain size, foraminifera, pollen radiocarbon dates) from sample site Romney Marsh documents gradual after 1263–1085 cal. yr BP (c. 700–850 AD) establishment saltmarsh. Shortly thereafter there was rapid increase water depth that associated with deposition nearly 4 m laminated intertidal mudflat tidal channel sediments, prior to reclamation sea by AD 1460. Grain-size data statistical analysis sand mud laminae thicknesses suggest sediments accumulated rapidly 0.2 per year) heterolithic rhythmites. Rapid thick bed underlies study provided accommodation space for their deposition. process began site, but accelerated following widening breach barrier 13th century. Compaction lowered surface at least 3 landscape change. The demonstrates powerful influence had on evolution this and, we believe, many other lowlands northwest Europe. is likely have been key change, far exceeding longer-term effects either eustatic change or crustal uplift/subsidence.