Quantitative analysis of radiocarbon dates of the perimarine area in the Netherlands

Abstract

Until recently it was thought that sedimentation in the perimarine area of the Netherlands occurred synchronously with sedimentation in the marine area. The observed alternation of clastic sediments and peat in both areas was attributed to an alternation of transgressions and regressions. Quantitative analysis of available radiocarbon dates of the perimarine area leads to the following conclusions: 1-It is impossible to establish a chronology of periods of sedimentation and periods of sedentation (peat formation) which corresponds with any of the existing chronologies in the marine area. The observed alternation of clastic sediments and peat in the perimarine area is determined by avulsion rather than by an alternation of transgressions and regressions; 2-Peat formation in residual channels west of a line from Utrecht to Den Bosch is determined to a high degree by the general rise of mean high water in the Netherlands; 3-Peat formation in residual channels in the perimarine area starts mainly during periods of regression; 4-Avulsion occurred almost exclusively during periods of transgression.