Abstract

The Quaternary has been a time of both rapid eustatic changes and almost static sea level. Studies of Quaternary sequences of modem coastal plains and continental shelves, which have been produced during these times, provide an opportunity to see the stratigraphical results of the consequent transgressions and regressions under fairly well known conditions. It appears that usually the periods of rising and static sea level have been the times of greatest accumulation of sediments on coastal plains and shelves rather than the periods of failing sea level. Examination of the Quaternary sequences allows a better understanding of the likely rates at which some ancient sequences were deposited and for which the time-control is more limited.