7. Eustatic sea level during past interglacials

Abstract

Eustatic sea-level variation is the primary index of global ice volume over glacial cycles. Here, we review recent studies of eustatic sea level during interglacial periods. This review includes in-depth discussion of the variability, magnitude and duration of the last five interglacial periods and a summary of evidence for the last nine interglacial periods. The last nine interglacial periods differ not only in height and variability of sea level, but also in timing relative to northern summer insolation peaks. Some interglacials have a single peak and others have several, while MIS 11 persisted with little variation for at least 30 kyr. Estimates of interglacial sea levels remain subject to uncertainties. There is an outstanding need for glacio-hydro-isostatic modelling for all glacial cycles of interest, as well as improvements in dating and dating-correction techniques. Show more