Deterioration of Early Holocene coral reef due to sea level rise along west coast of India: Benthic foraminiferal testimony

Abstract

A total of 103 surface sediment samples collected from the water depth range of 15–3300 m along Vijaydurg-Karwar stretch of central west coast of India were analyzed for foraminiferal content. Relict benthic foraminiferal assemblage was noted within 50–135 m water depth. The relict benthic foraminiferal assemblage that includes Amphistegina, Operculina and Alveolinella in sediment samples within the water depth of 85–135 m indicates presence of coral reef at this depth during Early Holocene. The presence of barnacle fouling on Relict foraminifera at 60–90 m confirms the paleo-shoreline. The shallow depth zone is characterized by presence of agglutinated relict foraminifera. The agglutinated forms indicate freshwater influx, which eventually increased the sea level and subsequently deteriorated the paleo-coral reef.

Keywords

• Relict benthic foraminifera
• Early Holocene coral reef
• Paleo-shoreline
• West coast of India
• Sea level rise