Ostracoda and Paleoenvironment of Holocene-Raised Beach Sediment in Skarvsnes, East Antarctica

Abstract

Abstract. Four sediment samples were collected from an outcrop of the Holocene-raised beach in Skarvsnes (Lützow-Holm Bay, East Antarctica) at an elevation of 0–10 m through a geomorphological survey conducted during the 46th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE 46). These samples were used for grain size, CNS (carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur) elemental, and ostracod analyses. The 14C dating of an annelid tube collected from the same outcrop was also conducted using an accelerator mass spectrometry. The resultant age was estimated at approximately 5,800 cal. year BP. A total of 16 ostracod species belonging to 10 genera were identified for the first time from all study samples near Lake Suribachi-Ike, Lützow–Holm Bay, East Antarctica. The phytal species were found to be the most dominant, suggesting rich seagrass and/or seaweeds at that time. Autecological methods and modern analog technique of ostracod assemblages were used to estimate the paleoenvironment. The result from the modern analog technique suggested that the paleo-water depth of approximately 30 m at that time is the most probable estimation, implying the glacial-isostatic uplift of approximately 30–40 m (5.1–6.8 mm/year) until sample date.