Submerged forests as sea-level indicators

Abstract

Submerged forests are defined, and their origin is discussed. Subjects considered are: a) the present-day relationship of trees (Quercus and Pinus) to tidal levels, b) the precision with which these relationships can be applied to submerged forest trees, c) methods of sampling the associated forest-bed peats for pollen analysis, and the correlation of pollen evidence with the trees themselves, d) identification of trees which may have been fortuitously preserved in submerged forests, although, when living, they had little relationship to sea level, and e) response of forest growth to transgressions and regressions. Conclusions reached are 1) that the lowest levels of tree growth can be closely related to a point between the local mean high water spring tide and highest astronomical tide and 2) that the preservation of trees in submerged forests is an accurate reflection of past sea levels.