Bodem- en zeespiegelbewegingen in het Nederlandse kustgebied

Since 1945, detailed soil surveys were made in the maritime districts of the Netherlands. They increased knowledge of marine deposits, not only for pedologists, but also for geomorphologists. The author combined these data with new palynological and archaeological studies to construct a new time-depth diagram for the relative rise in sea-level during the last 7500 years. The curve was constructed from a number of selected points. At each point the mean sealevel during sedimentation was carefully reconstructed from sedimentation facies and by comparison with recent conditions of sedimentation. With archaeological and palynological data the ages were determined precisely. With the new 14C method of estimating age only slight correction was necessary.<br/>The author considered the curve to be the result of at least two movements: the absolute rise in sea-level believed to be a logarithmic curve and the tectonic subsidence being a continuous movement of about 2.5 cm per century. The selected points were As free as possible from subsidence through soil compaction of peat and soft clay layers; otherwise this factor was calculated.<br/><br/>The curve was constructed as a flowing line without undulations indicating a consistent slowly dwindling transgression without minor eustatic fluctuations. The regressive and transgressive phases of marine activity on the Dutch coast were believed to have a periodicity of 525 years and were climatically conditioned, for example by increase in storminess and not by minor eustatic changes in sea-level.<br/><br/>It was concluded that up to about 2050 the transgressive phase with severe storminess and a slight rise in sea-level will persist