Analysis and interpretation of Holocene sedimentary sequences in the

Abstract: The interpretation of the Holocene evolution of the Humber Estuary has been made possible only through integrated multidisciplinary studies involving inter alia: drilling, to obtain sedimentary records of the Holocene Estuary fill; multi-element, carbon-nitrogen-sulphur and stable carbon isotope geochemistry; heavy and clay mineralogy; palaeo-magnetism; radio-carbon dating; and pollen, diatom and foraminiferal studies. Eight chemostratigraphic suites and 14 palaeo-environments have been recognized. Sediment types, environments of deposition and provenance change in response to rising sea-level, showing a range from freshwater fluvial deposition of locally derived terrestrial sediment to inter-tidal and subtidal deposition f sediments from marine sources. The methods used are illustrated with reference to sediment cores from inner and outer estuary locations. The results show that Holocene nvironmental characterization is most secure when a number of different, but complementary, techniques are used. The integration of radiocarbon dates with palaeomagnetic and geochemical data improves the understanding of the presence and significance of time breaks, which is crucial to constraining sedimentation rates and material budgets