A 1500 yr record of North Atlantic storm activity based on optically dated relict beach scarps

Research Article| June 01, 2007 A 1500 yr record of North Atlantic storm activity based on optically dated relict beach scarps Ilya V. Buynevich; Ilya V. Buynevich 1Geology & Geophysics Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, MS #22, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Duncan M. FitzGerald; Duncan M. FitzGerald 2Department of Earth Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Ronald J. Goble Ronald J. Goble 3Department of Geosciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Ilya V. Buynevich 1Geology & Geophysics Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, MS #22, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA Duncan M. FitzGerald 2Department of Earth Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA Ronald J. Goble 3Department of Geosciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, USA Publisher: Geological Society of America Received: 20 Dec 2006 Revision Received: 02 Feb 2007 Accepted: 05 Feb 2007 First Online: 09 Mar 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 Geological Society of America Geology (2007) 35 (6): 543–546. https://doi.org/10.1130/G23636A.1 Article history Received: 20 Dec 2006 Revision Received: 02 Feb 2007 Accepted: 05 Feb 2007 First Online: 09 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Permissions Search Site Citation Ilya V. Buynevich, Duncan M. FitzGerald, Ronald J. Goble; A 1500 yr record of North Atlantic storm activity based on optically dated relict beach scarps. Geology 2007;; 35 (6): 543–546. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G23636A.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Understanding of long-term dynamics of intense coastal storms is important for determining the frequency and impact of these events on sandy coasts. We use optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dates on relict scarps within a prograded barrier sequence to reconstruct the chronology of large-magnitude erosional events in the western Gulf of Maine. OSL dates obtained on quartz-rich sediments immediately overlying relict scarps indicate severe beach erosion and retreat due to erosional events ca. 1550, 390, 290, and 150 cal yr B.P. Our data provide new evidence of increased storm activity (most likely frequency and/or intensity of extratropical storms) during the past 500 yr, which was preceded by a relatively calm period lasting ∼1000 yr. The width of the coastal sequence preserved between successive paleoscarps shows strong correlation with the time interval elapsed between storms. Our findings indicate that diagnostic geophysical and sedimentological signatures of severe erosional events offer new opportunities for assessing the impact and timing of major storms along sandy coasts. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.