Late Pleistocene depositional and denudational history of Aruba, bonaire and Curaçao (Netherlands Antilles)

Abstract

A sequence of subaerial denudation benches, which are recognized as remnants of planation surfaces, has been found in the drainage basins of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. The benches were formed during periods of relatively stable sea-level. This denudational sequence has been correlated with the late Pleistocene marine limestones of the islands. These limestone deposits represent eustatic sea-level maxima. The correlation led to a revised stratigraphy of the marine strata. At least ten units, each representing an individual sealevel event, have been recognized. One of the units (presently + 10 m above sea-level) is correlated with the 125,000 B.P. highstand. The rate of tectonic uplift is estimated to be in the order of 0.05 m/1000 year.