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Marine notches

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Sea-Level Research

Abstract

The descriptive terms infralittoral, midlittoral (tidal and surf-) and supralittoral are used to classify sea-corrosion notches, according to their elevation relative to sea-level at the time of formation. On limestone coasts, tidal notches are the most common and most useful sea-level indicators.

Possible causes and rates of undercutting are summarized. The shape of the notch profile may give useful information on the rate of sea-level change and on tectonic movements.

A series of photographs with associated data provides examples of marine notches from various parts of the world.

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    Orson van de Plassche

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Pirazzoli, P.A. (1986). Marine notches. In: van de Plassche, O. (eds) Sea-Level Research. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4215-8_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4215-8_12

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