Fluctuations in relative sea level, tectonic movement, and sedimentation during the late Pleistocene to Holocene in the Hisarönü Gulf (SE Aegean Sea) and surrounding area were investigated with a high‐resolution geophysical survey and underwater archaeological observations. The Hisarönü Gulf has been affected by vertical tectonic movements and rising sea level following the last glacial period (20,000 yr B.P.). High‐resolution seismic data were interpreted to reveal the structure of the late Pleistocene to Holocene deposits and determine the location of the paleoshoreline. In order to describe the relative rise of sea level, principles of sequence stratigraphy were used for the late Pleistocene to Holocene transition, and submerged archaeological remains and bioerosional indicators were used for the late Holocene period. A comparison of archaeological observations in the study area with the known regional sea level curve indicates that the relative rise in sea level for the late Holocene is, for the most part, due to the tectonic subsidence of the coastal plain. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

We conducted archaeological and geophysical surveys in order to investigate the submergence of ancient constructions along the coast at Kekova Island in southern Turkey. Submerged archaeological remains were measured with respect to present sea level, and geological features that may have caused subsidence were determined by seismic investigation. We estimated relative sea‐level change taking into account presumed original elevation of constructions associated with the harbor at the time of occupation and compared our results with eustatic–isostatic sea‐level studies in the Mediterranean. Ceramics found along the submerged quay of Kekova Island provided evidence for the time of last use of the harbor structures and suggest that submergence began during the early Byzantine period. Considering relative sea‐level changes, eustatic–isostatic effects, and the period of submergence, we estimate a rate of coastal tectonic subsidence of at least 1.6 mm/yr over the last 1400 years.

In the Fethiye Gulf on the southwest coast of Turkey, several submerged archaeological sites provide useful data about relative sea level changes since the Byzantine period. The current elevations of contemporary archaeological structures were measured to determine the amount of relative sea level change. The archaeological sea level markers in this seismically active region provide new data about the amount and period of relative sea level rise. Taking into consideration the time of the last use of the structures, instead of their time of construction, three different rates of vertical land movement of 2.18 ± 0.3, 2.96 ± 0.3, and 3.29 ± 0.5 mm/yr were estimated. These data indicate that tectonic activity differs from region to region, most likely related to local normal faults in the gulf. Recent earthquakes have confirmed active seismicity in this area. These results demonstrate that the changing sea levels in the Fethiye Gulf have been strongly influenced by vertical tectonic movement over the last 1,400 years. Results also contribute to studies of future coastal changes in the Fethiye Gulf and its surroundings.

We investigated three coastal archaeological sites along the coast of Fethiye (south‐western Turkey, eastern Mediterranean) to reveal relative sea‐level changes that have occurred since early Byzantine times. Focusing on this little known period, the most recent archaeological data are presented here, providing new data for the history of sea‐level changes. Current elevations of submerged archaeological remains relative to present sea level were measured, and relative sea‐level change was determined, based on an approximation of the original elevation. The contemporary archaeological structures revealed three different sea levels in adjacent areas. Taking into account the time of the last use of the structures, instead of their time of construction, we suggest a relative sea‐level rise at a minimum rate of 1.6 ± 0.3 mm/year for Şövalye Island, 2.1 ± 0.3 mm/year for Gemiler Island, and 2.2 ± 0.6 mm/year for Ölüdeniz Lagoon for the last 1400 years. A comparison of the study results and geoarchaeological data from nearby sites on the western coasts of Fethiye Gulf revealed the degree of sea‐level change impact upon coastal archaeological sites. Results demonstrate that the seismically active Fethiye coast has been strongly influenced by the vertical tectonic movement since early Byzantine times.

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