Dune and geosol deposition

Alternatively, there are large dunes which merge seaward with, but do not rest upon, high Pleistocene beach deposits. These dunes show that dune building could take place at the height of transgression and then cease without subsequently prograding seaward over the beach.

Dune building could have occurred between maximum and minimum sea levels. Partially submerged foresets are proof that dunes were active when the sea level was lower than present. However, due to the extent in the drop in sea level during glacial episodes, the possibility of significant dune activity at minimum sea level can be ruled out. At these times the coast would have been beyond, and well below the rim of the platform; and the steeply sloping, or cliffed, shoreline would have prevented dune growth.