Characteristics and Implications of Relict Carbonate Paleoshorelines

by S. D. Locker,
A. C. Hine,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Carbonate Beaches 2000

Abstract:

Throughout the Florida-Bahamas region, the accumulation of coastal carbonate deposits, excepting the present highstand, appears to be episodic. Back through time these deposits provide insight into changes in the marine environment that ultimately are linked to climate change and other factors driving sea-level. In contrast, the ramp and slope settings of the Florida platform have been favorable sites for carbonate shoreline development more so during the deglacial rise structures have been identified rimming Florida that are significant as modern-day fish habitats, and as foundations for coral reef growth. Only on the South Florida margin have these structures been indentified as carbonate paleoshorelines. Formation of the south Florida paleoshorelines is strongly controlled by the coincidence of several key factors: 1) episodic and rapid changes in the rate of the deglacial sea-level rise. 2) slope gradients characteristic of outer slope and ramps. 3) rapid sediment production dominated by ooid production.

Subject Headings: Carbonation | Slopes | Shoreline protection | Sea level | Sediment | Seas and oceans | Reefs and sills | Florida | United States

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