Pleistocene deposits at Earnley, Bracklesham bay, Sussex

Abstract

Pollen, diatoms, foraminifers, molluscs and ostracods are described from a Pleistocene tem perate stage channel filling of m arine sediments on the foreshore at Bracklesham Bay, Sussex. Pollen analysis indicates the presence of a regional mixed coniferous and deciduous forest during the period of the channel filling, of a type known from the later parts of tem perate stages older than the Ipswichian. Diatom and foraminifer analyses both indicate a shallowing sequence of sediments, with higher energy tidal channel deposition at the base of the sequence and intertidal m ud flat deposition towards the top. The sediments appear to have been deposited at a time of falling sea level. At the close of sedim entation mean tidal level was about 0.7-1 m below its present position. Evidence for the age of the channel filling is discussed from the point of view of the pollen assemblage, foraminifers and ostracods. It is older than the Ipswichian and may be late H oxnian or late Crom erian in age.