Evidence and problems of interglacial marine deposits in Tasmania

Abstract

The paper outlines the distribution, height and origin of extensive pre-Holocene marine deposits from various localities in Tasmania. The marine deposits occur up to 20-30 m above present sea-level. The stratigraphic relationships of the deposits are discussed in relation to associated glacial, freshwater, Aeolian and slope deposits. 14C dating of some of these deposits strongly suggests that most of the marine deposits are of Last Interglacial age. other Australian studies suggest that the maximum sea level attained in southeastern Australia during the Last Interglacial was 5-10m. The higher marine levels in Tasmania, inferred to be of Last Interglacial age, suggest that differential tectonic and hydroisostatic deformation may have occurred during the late Quaternary.