The New Jersey Margin Scientific Drilling Project (IODP Expedition 313): Untangling the Record of Global and Local Sea-Level Changes

Abstract

Much of the world is currently experiencing shoreline retreat due to global sea level rising at the rate of 3–4 mm yr -1. This rate will likely increase and result in a net rise to roughly 1 m above present sea-level by the year 2100 (e.g., Rahmstorf, 2007; Solomon et al., 2007), with significant consequences for coastal populations, infrastructures, and ecosystems. Preparing for this future scenario calls for careful study of past changes in sea level and a solid understanding of processes that govern the shoreline response to thesechanges. One of the best ways to assemble this knowledge is to examine the geologic records of previous global sea-level changes. Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Expedition 313 set out to do this by recovering a record of global and local sea-level change in sediments deposited along the coast of eastern North America during the Icehouse world of the past 35 m.y. What we learn from this record—the factors driving sea-level changes, and the impact of thischange on nearshore environments—will help us understand what lies ahead in a warming world.

Keywords

• New Jersey Margin
• sea-level changes