Holocene sea-level history and environmental change, Calvert Island, British Columbia

Changes in sea-level are attributable mainly to crustal deformation, changes in global ocean volumes (eustasy) and the response of the Earth’s crust to glaciation (isostasy). On the British Columbia coast, sea-level history is complex owing to regional differences in these factors. A geographic data gap exists in our understanding of Holocene (past 10,000 years) sea-level change and landscape evolution along the central coast. The proposed research will help close this gap, by studying post-glacial sea-level and landscape response on Calvert Island. Preliminary geoarchaeological research in the area shows evidence for early Holocene human occupation that, coupled with archaeological evidence from elsewhere on the coast (eg Haida Gwaii) may support a West Coast model for peopling of the Americas. The project addresses the mandate of the Tula Foundation, which is the creation and dissemination of knowledge about the ecosystems and cultural history of the central BC coast.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ian Walker

Student:

Partner:

The Hakai Institute, part of the Tula Foundation

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Natural Resources

University:

University of Victoria

Program: