Discovery of a tsunami deposit from the Bronze Age Santorini eruption at Malia (Crete): impact, chronology, extension
Lespez, L.; Lescure, S.; Saulnier-Copard, S.; Glais, A.; Berger, J.-F.; Lavigne, F.; Pearson, C.; Virmoux, C.; Müller Celka, S.; Pomadère, M. (2021). Discovery of a tsunami deposit from the Bronze Age Santorini eruption at Malia (Crete): impact, chronology, extension. NPG Scientific Reports 11(1): 15487. https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-94859-1
In: Scientific Reports (Nature Publishing Group). Nature Publishing Group: London. ISSN 2045-2322; e-ISSN 2045-2322, more
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| Authors | | Top |
- Lespez, L.
- Lescure, S.
- Saulnier-Copard, S.
- Glais, A.
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- Berger, J.-F.
- Lavigne, F.
- Pearson, C.
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- Virmoux, C.
- Müller Celka, S.
- Pomadère, M.
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| Abstract |
A geomorphological survey immediately west of the Minoan town of Malia (Crete) shows that a tsunami resulting from the Bronze Age Santorini eruption reached the outskirts of the Palatial center. Sediment cores testify a unique erosional event during the Late Minoan period, followed locally by a high energy sand unit comprising marine fauna. This confirms that a tsunami impacted northern Crete and caused an inundation up to 400 m inland at Malia. We obtained a radiocarbon range of 1744–1544 BCE for the secure pre-tsunami context and an interval 1509–1430 BCE for the post-event layer. Examination of tsunami deposits was used to constrain run-up not exceeding 8 m asl. The results open the field for new research on the Bronze Age Santorini tsunami regarding both impact and consequences for the Minoan civilization. |
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