Mid-Holocene Baltic Sea transgression along the coast of Blekinge, SE Sweden – ancient lagoons correlated with beach ridges

The mid-Holocene Littorina transgression in southern Scandinavia is well documented. Multiple-stratigraphic sequences in ancient Littorina lagoons in the coastal area of Blekinge, SE Sweden reveal a maximum relative sea level of 7–8 m above present sea level between 8000–6000 cal. BP. Evidence for at least two transgression waves is found within this period. In this study these are documented in one modern lake and correlated with an ancient beach-lagoon stratigraphy. Furthermore, two younger transgressions are documented at one site, altogether establishing a firm transgression chronology for the time span 8000–4000 cal. BP (sea level 5–8 m a.s.l.) as a basis for understanding the dynamics of Baltic sea-level changes. Neolithic cultural layers are correlated to regression periods, indicating more favorable conditions for beach settlement between stormy transgression periods.