Sea‑level fluctuation during MIS 5e and geomorphological context on the southern coast of the Strait of Gibraltar (Morocco)

Abstract

This work traces the geomorphological and tectonic evolution of the southern coast of the Strait of Gibraltar at the MIS 5e during the last interglacial. Stratigraphic analysis of three marine terraces was achieved. The three studied sections show two transgression‑regression cycles. It appears that the lithology and structure of the geological substrate has played a fundamental role in coastal geomorphological evolution during the isotope sub‑stage 5e. This sub‑stage is characterized by two transgressive pulses of eustatic origin. The U/Th dating of a sample of coral shows that the second pulse has an age of at least 119.6 ± 2.3 ka. The maximum average uplift rate is estimated of 0.085 m m /year over the last 117 kyr for the referenced outcrop. The MIS 5e has been raised to a height of 13 to 16 m MSL.