A standardized database of Marine Isotope Stage 5e sea-level proxies in southern Africa (Angola, Namibia and South Africa)

Abstract. Evidence for sea-level change during and around Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5e (ca. 125 ka) in southern Africa derives from a wide variety of geomorphic sedimentological indicators, supported the past 2 decades by absolute chronological control, particularly on littoral deposits, some which have quantifiable relationship to former sea level. In addition these proxies, data provided both terrestrial (dune sediments archaeological remains) marine (lagoonal nearshore sediments) limiting points provide broad constraints Here, we review publications describing such points. Using framework World Atlas Last Interglacial Shorelines, insert standardized database (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4459297, Cooper Green, 2020) all elements available assess palaeo-relative level (palaeo-RSL) associated with them (including uncertainties). Overall, reviewed 71 studies, extracted 39 indicators 26 As far as age attribution is concerned, early analysis molluscs whole-rock beachrock samples using U series allowed dating several 1980s, but more widespread application optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) since 2004 has yielded many (and accurate) sites. This helped resolve nature timing MIS shorelines potential further elucidate apparent presence two or peaks at South African sites this interval. The presented paper first its kind region. Future research should be directed improve stratigraphic description last interglacial obtain better dating, high-accuracy elevation measurements palaeo-RSL interpretation.