determined quantitatively that component of subsidence that is common to a 

 worldwide set of wells. After compensating for the response of the crust to 

 sedimentation, we find some correlations between the global rate of subsidence 

 and low- frequency changes in the height of eustatic sea- level as determined 

 from the stratigraphic interpretation of seismic data. These results suggests 

 that basement subsidence data, which are independent of the techniques used 

 previously, may be used to recognize variations in eustatic sea-level. How- 

 ever, we are unable to determine the size of the eustatic sea- level excursions 

 because of difficulties in determining and separating variations in litho- 

 spheric rigidity, thermal subsidence, and sediment supply independent of 

 tectonic subsidence and sea-level curves, thus avoiding the application of 

 geologic models involving crustal properties we cannot quantify. Geohistory 

 analysis is also a powerful means of studying subsidence on a regional tec- 

 tonic history. We illustrate this point by subsidence maps through time for 

 the North Sea. (Authors). 



123 GUILCHER, A. 1969. "Pleistocene and Holocene Sea-Level Changes," 

 Earth-Science Review . Vol 5, pp 69-97. 



The classic glacio-eustatic theory, as it was conceived by Deperet and 

 his supporters, is briefly presented, and the objections against it are dis- 

 cussed. Bourcarl, continental flexure is mentioned. More recent considera- 

 tions concerning uplifts interfering with variations in sea-level, and result- 

 ing possibly from erosional discharge, were developed by Gigout and by 

 Battistini. But these new theories do not imply that the glacio-eustatism is 

 out of date: its principle remains valid. Recent methods allow more accuracy 

 in dating former sea-levels: the '''C method, and the •^^h/^''U method. Two 

 interglacial high sea- levels are especially noteworthy: they resulted in the 

 Holsteinian and Eemian shorelines which now stand above present-time sea-level 

 in areas where no subsidence occurred. The Eemian (Normannian, Ouljian, etc.) 

 shoreline has left widespread remnants throughout the world, particularly in 

 western Europe and around the Mediterranean, but also in many oceanic islands. 

 The writer criticizes the British conception, which relates the raised beaches 

 belonging to this series to the last interglacial but, one, not to the last 

 one as commonly accepted. The low Quaternary marine sea- levels are then 

 discussed. During one of the glaciations at least, the sea- level was 

 certainly depressed down to 100 m, probably to 150 m, and perhaps to 200 m or 

 even more. Evidences for this large regression are produced. Drowned valleys 

 and submerged strandlines are still recognizable. Recent techniques allow 

 better investigations of these features. It may be that the sea- level rose 

 temporarily to its present position during an interstade of the Wurm 

 Glaciation; but objections against this view are serious. The rise of the 

 sea- level after the end of the Wurm Glaciation can be followed in detail in 

 some areas, such as The Netherlands and the gGulf and Atlantic coasts of the 

 United States. Much discussion, however, persists about the problem of the 

 maximum level reached by this transgression: some authors think that the sea 

 surpassed by 1-3 m the present datum during the past few thousands of years, 

 whereas others do not accept the evidence represented in this respect. 

 (Author) . 



