Mid- to late Holocene vegetation response to relative sea-level fluctuations recorded by multi-proxy evidence in the Subei Plain, eastern China

Reconstructing Holocene changes in regional sea level is useful for understanding future sea-level scenarios. In this paper we examined the sedimentology, pollen, foraminifera, and organic matter properties of a well-dated profile from the Subei Basin that spans the last 6.7 ka. By integrating our findings with the archaeological record, we investigated mid- to late Holocene vegetation responses to relative sea-level fluctuations and considered the impact of climatic variations on cultural development. In the middle Holocene, the rapid and abrupt expansion of salt marsh vegetation (Chenopodiaceae, Cyperaceae, and Poaceae) suggests a relative rise in sea level. From 5.7 to 4.2 cal ka BP, lowland swamps were settled by Neolithic communities, as indicated by peak levels of microscopic charcoal and a significant rise in herbaceous pollen species, such as Cyperaceae, Typha, Myriophyllum, and Poaceae. From 4.2 to 3.7 cal ka BP, a major increase in Chenopodiaceae abundance and a 813C excursion were observed along with a decrease in Cyperaceae and Poaceae levels, which revealed that human activity significantly decreased following the 4.2 ka climate event. Evidence suggests that the area under investigation experienced a relatively high sea level between 6.7 and 6.0 ka, a relative decrease in sea level between 6.0 and 5.7 ka, a steady sea-level condition between 5.7 and 4.2 ka, and gradual replacement by a freshwater marsh between 5.7 and 4.2 ka. The pollen and 813 C records demonstrate that the relative sea level rose quickly from 4.2 to 3.7 ka, which could correspond to the 4.2 ka event. Enhanced El Nin similar to o-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variance and intense climatic events in eastern China were the driving forces behind the midlate Holocene relative sea-level shift. The rise in relative sea level eventually led to the collapse of the Qingdun and Jiangzhuang sites in the Subei Basin. Our results provide independent vegetation evidence of the simultaneous changes in relative sea level and variations in climate.

Automated summary

Reconstructing Holocene changes in regional sea level is important for understanding future sea-level scenarios. This study examined sedimentology, pollen, foraminifera, and organic matter properties to reconstruct sea level changes over the past 6.7 thousand years in the Subei Basin. The findings indicate rapid expansion of salt marsh vegetation during the middle Holocene, suggesting a rise in sea level. Human settlements and decreased human activity were observed during certain periods, coinciding with fluctuations in sea level and climatic events. Enhanced El Nin similar to o-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variance and intense climatic events were identified as driving forces behind the sea-level shifts. The collapse of archaeological sites in the Subei Basin was attributed to the rise in relative sea level. These results provide valuable evidence of the simultaneous changes in sea level and climate.