Late-Holocene (post-4000 years BP) coastal dune development in Northumberland, northeast England

The recent environmental history of coastal dune systems in Northumberland, northeast England, has been examined using geomorphological, stratigraphic al and sedimentological techniques linked to radiocarbon and infrared-stimu lated luminescence (IRSL) dating. Stratigraphies were determined from 22 vi bracores and three sections, and dune chronology was based on 28 C-14 dates , from pear and soil organic horizons, and 26 IRSL dates on K-feldspar grai ns from within sand layers. Almost all dune systems are associated with reg ressive shorelines consequent upon a fall in relative sea level (RSL) from its Holocene peak, and indicate RSL functioned as a macroscale control on d une development. Where dunes are anchored on terrestrial sediment, dune exp ansion may have been either transgressive or regressive in nature. Where ne ar-shore marine sediments form the dune substrate, a regressive (prograding ) dune model seems most likely. Most dune building occurred during the 'Lit tle Ice Age' (LIA), probably in association with specific climatic and morp hosedimentary conditions, principally periods of easterly circulation, a gr eater frequency of severe North Sea storms, RSL fall, and sediment and acco mmodation space availability. Dune development in Holocene cool intervals e arlier than the LIA was of limited spatial extent, suggesting some differen ces in prevailing conditions at those times.