LATE QUATERNARY PALEOCHANNEL SYSTEMS ON THE CONTINENTAL-SHELF, SOUTH OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAY ENTRANCE

Analyses of an extensive network of high-resolution seismic-reflection records and borehole samples outlined three distinct paleochannel sys tems beneath the continental shelf south of the entrance to Chesapeake Bay. Amino acid racemization analyses of mollusks from the fill seque nces are used for estimation of the ages of channel cutting and fillin g. The principal periods of channel cutting appear to be during the se alevel minima associated with marine oxygen isotope Stages 2 and 6. An older channel-filling phase (Stage 13 or 15) is also recognized based on aminostratigraphic results. These aminostratigraphic results are c onsistent with the results of previous studies on the mid-Atlantic coa stal plain.