Holocene marine transgression marker on the Karnataka coast (India)

Abstract

In the coastal plain of Baindur Hole (Karnataka). a thin layer (30 cm) of clayey silt, rich in organic matter and shells, has been recorded in a well at an altitude close to the present sea - level. This layer has been dated (C-14) to about 6400 years BP by two different methods. At the time of its deposition the paleontological clues (palynology, conchology) point to a very shallow environment. Hence, from this reliable marker of the Holocene transgression, it can be assessed that at about 6400 years BP the sea-level was close (just a few metres below) to the present sea-level on coastal Karnataka.