Relative Sea-Level Change During the Late Holocene on the Island of Vis (Croatia) - Issa Harbour Archaeological Site

The 2.4 ka shoreline evolution on the Island of Vis has been investigated. It represents a particularly interesting area for this kind of investigation due to the existence of the submerged archaeological remains, the antique port of Issa, as well as to the existence of geomorphological and biological sea-level markers. The actual depths of the different parts of the submerged quay have been mapped and measured with respect to the present mean sea-level, applying corrections for tide and atmospheric pressure values at the time of the surveys. The functional heights related to the sea level at the time of construction have also been taken into account. These data were further compared with predictions derived from a glacio-hydro-isostatic model associated with the Last Glacial cycle. During the investigation of the coast, tidal notches and algal rims were found. They were mapped, measured and correlated with results of the submerged port remains, as well as with other available data along the Croatian coast. Our results demonstrate a 199 +/- 25 cm sea-level change during 2.4 ka on the Island of Vis. Taking into account the total relative sea-level change, an average rate of around similar to 0.83 mm/yr is derived. If the isostatic-eustatic component is separated, a tectonic subsidence rate ranges between 0.17 and 0.3 mm/yr depending on the predicted model used. Compared to the Northern Adriatic area, the Island of Vis shows a much smaller component of tectonic subsidence. (C) 2010 Lavoisier SAS. All rights reserved