20th Century Sea Level Variability as Recorded By Coral Microatolls on the Sunda Shelf

Project Overview

This project aims to assess sea level variability over the 20^th century with precise and accurate data.

These variations are traditionally mapped by data derived from tide gauges, but few long tide records exist from Southeast Asia.

In order to gain a precise understanding of sea level variability, we study coral microatolls in tectonically stable parts of the Sunda Shelf. Microatolls, whose upward growth is limited by low water, record the sea level during their lifetime. By comparing the sea levels during their lifetime with today’s levels we can trace the sea level changes over time.

Funding Sources

• Earth Observatory of Singapore
• National Research Foundation

Project Years

2013, 2014