Late P leistocene and H olocene Sea Level Changes in the H isarönü G ulf, S outheast A egean S ea

Fluctuations in relative sea level, tectonic movement, and sedimentation during the late P leistocene to H olocene in the H isarönü G ulf ( SE A egean Sea) and surrounding area were investigated with a high‐resolution geophysical survey and underwater archaeological observations. The H isarönü G ulf 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 P leistocene to H olocene 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 P leistocene to H olocene transition, and submerged archaeological remains and bioerosional indicators were used for the late H olocene 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 H olocene is, for the most part, due to the tectonic subsidence of the coastal plain. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.