A Rock-Based Global Sea Level Curve | The Institute for Creation Research

A Rock-Based Global Sea Level Curve

Evolutionary geologists compiled a global sea level curve from the Cambrian system to the present using assumed environmental interpretations and deep time (Figure 1).1 They infer global sea level was lower during deposition of the Permian system because they believe that many sedimentary layers, like the Permian Coconino Sandstone, were deposited across dry land. For this reason, they show a lowering of sea level during the Permian. But creation geologist John Whitmore has shown that the rock data better support deposition in a marine setting—further evidence for the global Flood of Noah’s day.2

Figure 1. Secular global sea level curve, modified from Vail and Mitchum.1
 

ICR compiled stratigraphic data from over 1,500 columns across North and South America and Africa. These data have allowed us to clarify the true nature of global sea level. If we look only at the extent and volume of the rocks across these continents, we see that the generally accepted secular sea level curve doesn’t match the actual rock data. Instead, we see evidence of a single, progressive flood event that began slowly in the Sauk Megasequence, peaked in the Zuni, and receded in the Tejas (Figure 2). All of the continents show the same general pattern, making the result even more compelling.

To create our new sea level curve, we used the maps and sedimentary data we compiled across three continents. Table 1 shows the surface area, volume, and average thickness of each megasequence across each continent and the global totals. Collectively, these data show limited amounts of sediment deposited in the earliest megasequences. All three continents show progressively greater accumulations until the maximum volume is reached in the Zuni. The subsequent Tejas, although likely the receding phase of the Flood, is second in volume and extent to the Zuni.

Figure 2. New conceptualized sea level curve based on the volume and extent of Phanerozoic sedimentation across three continents.
 

The evidence for a single, progressive flood is probably best shown by the sedimentary patterns across Africa. Here, the Sauk through Kaskaskia show the least surface extent, followed by more and more coverage, until the Flood reached its maximum level during the Zuni, likely Day 150 of the Flood. Unsurprisingly, the Tejas shows a nearly identical amount of surface extent as the Zuni; recall, the Tejas was the receding phase that began on Day 150. The surface extent of both should be nearly identical, barring subsequent erosion.

Note in Table 1 the massive jump in sediment volume and extent in the Absaroka Megasequence across the three continents. We interpret this as about Day 40 in the Flood, when the Ark began to float (Genesis 7:17). It also coincides with the first major coal seams and the first occurrences of numerous land fossils in the rock record. Also note the even greater jump in volume and extent in the Zuni. This is when the dinosaurs were completely inundated and the water levels reached their peak around Day 150.3

Table 1. Surface area, sediment volume, and average thicknesses for North America, South America, and Africa for each of the six megasequences defined in Figure 1. Totals for the three continents are listed at the far right side for each category.
 

The totals column on the far right side of Table 1 also confirms the Flood account. These data indicate a flood event that began slowly, reached a maximum in the Zuni, and then receded. This is why the Zuni has the maximum volume, thickness, and extent of sedimentary rocks globally. It was the high point of the Flood—Day 150.

Simultaneous sedimentary patterns across multiple continents are strong evidence of a global flood. Tweet: Simultaneous sedimentary patterns across multiple continents are strong evidence of a global flood.

A Rock-Based Global Sea Level Curve: https://www.icr.org/article/rock-based-global-sea-level-curve/

@ICRscience

#Science #Geology

There is no other reasonable way to explain these data. Simultaneous sedimentary patterns across multiple continents are strong evidence of a global flood. The secular sea level curve, based on evolutionary biases, is wrong.

References

  1. Vail, P. R. and R. M. Mitchum, Jr. 1979. Global Cycles of Relative Changes of Sea Level from Seismic Stratigraphy. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Memoir. 29: 469-472.
  2. Whitmore, J. H. and R. Strom. 2009. Petrographic Analysis of the Coconino Sandstone, Northern and Central Arizona. Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. 41 (7): 122.
  3. Clarey, T. L. and D. J. Werner. 2017. The Sedimentary Record Demonstrates Minimal Flooding of the Continents During Sauk Deposition. Answers Research Journal. 10: 271-283.

* Dr. Clarey is Research Associate at the Institute for Creation Research and earned his Ph.D. in geology from Western Michigan University.

Cite this article: Tim Clarey, Ph.D. 2019. A Rock-Based Global Sea Level Curve. Acts & Facts. 48 (2).

The Latest
NEWS
Creation's Easter Message
While many Christians still consider the creation doctrine a fringe issue, a proper understanding of the Christian message finds creation at its core...

NEWS
ICR Veteran Don Barber Retires
Don Barber   After 34 years with the Institute for Creation Research, Director of Enterprise Technology Don Barber will retire...

CREATION.LIVE PODCAST
The Sanctity of Life | Creation.Live Podcast: Episode 23
Abortion is a big issue culturally and in the church. How can believers love our neighbors and act as the hands and feet of Christ when it comes...

NEWS
Plant Receptors Are Designed to Control Immunity and Development
God has designed plants to continuously track their environment.1 They do so with specially designed detectors (also called receptors) on...

CREATION PODCAST
Homo Naledi: The Lies Behind Evolution's Rising Star | The Creation...
Homo naledi, once evolution's 'rising star,' was considered to be a prime example of human evolution. But is it really proof? Or...

NEWS
A Subsurface Ocean on Mimas?
Scientists have analyzed data obtained from the Cassini spacecraft and concluded that irregularities in the orbit of Saturn’s moon Mimas indicate...

NEWS
In Theaters March 20 & 21: The Ark and the Darkness
Is Genesis true? What about Noah’s Flood? How did Noah fit the animals on the ark? Wasn’t it a local flood? Have you asked these questions? Though...

NEWS
Enigmatic Fossil Plants
The pre-Flood world thousands of years ago was unlike the world of today.1 Unfamiliar animals and plants were common, and there were a lot...

NEWS
Surprisingly Colorful Fossil Snail Shells
Finding organic compounds such as flexible dinosaur collagen and complete bone cells1,2 is becoming common, much to the shock and consternation...

NEWS
March 2024 ICR Wallpaper
"He is not here; for He is risen, as He said." (Matthew 28:6 NKJV) ICR March 2024 wallpaper is now available for mobile, tablet,...