The Bergen inlet, transgressive and regressive Holocene shoreline deposits in the Northwestern netherlands

Abstract

This paper deals with the sediments that have filled up the Bergen inlet. The scouring effect of the inlet caused significant erosion of the Pleistocene sandy sediments. In the deepest part of the inlet a 15 m sandy clay deposit is encountered interpreted als Regression L This deposit was caused either by enlargment of the ebbtidal delta or by clogging of the smaller inlets situated further inland. During the deposition of the sandy clay the coastline south of the inlet is supposed to be near the present one. After that time this shoreline moved landwards to the region of Uitgeest. In the inlet itself the clay deposits were covered by sandy deposits. North of the inlet curved spits moved landwards. Finally a significant progradation of the coastline south of the inlet and a retreat in southeastern direction of the hooked spits north of the inlet resulted in the closing of the Bergen inlet. Dating by mean of pollen analysis indicate a short 'life' of the Bergen inlet (5300-3300 B.P.). Investigation of the underlying Pleistocene layers give evidence of a deep valley at the end of the Saalian glaciation overlain by a late Eemian estuarium. The formation of the Bergen inlet is thought to be related to these Pleistocene erosion phenomena. The sources of the sediments in and near the Bergen inlet are discussed.