Holocene deposits of the South-East coast of Gorlo Strait (White Sea): new data of diatom and radiocarbon analyses

Abstract

Diatom analysis and radiocarbon dating of the sedimentary cover of the terraces on the South-East coast of Gorlo Strait (White Sea) from Cape Veprevsky to Cape Intsy were carried out for the first time. The Holocene marine sediments traced to 4 m a.s.l. The rise in relative sea level occurred during Boreal and first half of Atlantic. The sea level reached the present value not earlier than 8500 14C yrs BP and probably stabilized at 3,5-4,0 m a.s.l. about 6300 14C yrs BP. The regression of the sea dates approximately 3000 14C yrs BP when coastal sedimentation changed to sediment formation in land environments. Higher levels were formed earlier 9500-8500 14C yrs BP and were not later flooded by the sea according to the diatom analysis data. During the Early Holocene regression, assumptive paleosoil horizons were formed there. They are covered by lacustrine, peaty, and aeolian sediments.