Late Holocene relative sea‐level fluctuations and crustal mobility at Bataneh (Najirum) archaeological site, Persian Gulf, Iran

The impacts of relative sea-level (RSL) variations and crust mobility on the development ancient harbours in northern Persian Gulf are poorly understood. Many unanswered questions remain with regard to main reasons for a shift location most important part coastal since 50 BC. Furthermore, some early Islamic harbours, such as Siraf, have city quarters that today below present sea level. aim this study is evaluate relationship between halokinesis RSL changes using geophysical models multidisciplinary geoarchaeological methods at Sassanid–Islamic site Bataneh (presently known Najirum) located foothill an active Darang salt diapir. results reveal after mid-Holocene highstand, regression was not continuous. studied facies recorded three oscillations. oscillations correlated eustatic position. During first lowstand, Sassanid shifted from Rishar Apologus. second lowstand consistent transition maritime trade Apologus during Abbasid dynasty. Uplift zone exposed risks flooding fluvial debris flows. With modification local watershed, runoff water originating anticlinal controlled used extraction gypsum evaporation ponds. economic expansion Siraf led being abandoned Kish Island.