Rapid coastal subsidence in the central Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta (Bangladesh) since the 17th century deduced from submerged salt-producing kilns

Abstract

Research Article| September 01, 2013 Rapid coastal subsidence in the central Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta (Bangladesh) since the 17th century deduced from submerged salt-producing kilns Till J.J. Hanebuth; Till J.J. Hanebuth * 1MARUM–Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Leobener Strasse, 28359 Bremen, Germany *E-mail: [e-mail]. Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Hermann R. Kudrass; Hermann R. Kudrass 1MARUM–Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Leobener Strasse, 28359 Bremen, Germany Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Jörg Linstädter; Jörg Linstädter 2Institute of Prehistoric Archaeology, University of Cologne, Weyertal 12, 50923 Cologne, Germany Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Badrul Islam; Badrul Islam 3Department of Geology and Mining, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Anja M. Zander Anja M. Zander 4Institute of Geography, University of Cologne, Albertus-Magnus-Platz, 50923 Cologne, Germany Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Till J.J. Hanebuth * 1MARUM–Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Leobener Strasse, 28359 Bremen, Germany Hermann R. Kudrass 1MARUM–Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Leobener Strasse, 28359 Bremen, Germany Jörg Linstädter 2Institute of Prehistoric Archaeology, University of Cologne, Weyertal 12, 50923 Cologne, Germany Badrul Islam 3Department of Geology and Mining, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh Anja M. Zander 4Institute of Geography, University of Cologne, Albertus-Magnus-Platz, 50923 Cologne, Germany *E-mail: [e-mail]. Publisher: Geological Society of America Received: 11 Apr 2013 Revision Received: 30 Apr 2013 Accepted: 30 Apr 2013 First Online: 09 Mar 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 © 2013 Geological Society of America Geology (2013) 41 (9): 987–990. https://doi.org/10.1130/G34646.1 Article history Received: 11 Apr 2013 Revision Received: 30 Apr 2013 Accepted: 30 Apr 2013 First Online: 09 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Permissions Search Site Citation Till J.J. Hanebuth, Hermann R. Kudrass, Jörg Linstädter, Badrul Islam, Anja M. Zander; Rapid coastal subsidence in the central Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta (Bangladesh) since the 17th century deduced from submerged salt-producing kilns. Geology 2013;; 41 (9): 987–990. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G34646.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract The densely populated, low-lying Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta is highly vulnerable to global sea-level rise. In order to estimate the rate of subsidence of the delta, we examined submerged salt-producing kiln sites in the coastal Sundarbans (a huge UNESCO-protected mangrove forest). These kilns were built just above the winterly spring high-tide level of the time, but their bases are currently located ∼155 cm below the corresponding modern level. According to optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, the kilns were last fired ∼300 yr ago, and salt production was terminated by a catastrophic event that affected the kiln sites at different levels and locations. 14C ages of charcoal at the kilns' bases and associated mangrove stump horizons support the OSL dates. Based on the elevations and ages, the 300 yr average rate of sinking of the outer delta is 5.2 ± 1.2 mm/yr, which includes 0.8 mm/yr of eustatic sea-level rise. With the expectation of further acceleration of sea-level rise, the already-present problematic situation will be aggravated, and only prudent control of sediment accretion will keep southern Bangladesh above sea level. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.