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
CREATION PODCAST
Volcanoes on Mars??? | The Creation Podcast: Episode 58
Geologic activity shows signs of youth not just on our planet, but all throughout the universe. As we discover more about our solar system and the...

NEWS
The Brain’s Amazing Ability of Visual Perception
Scientists will never fully understand the brain’s operation.1,2,3 As neurological research continues, it will only reveal more...

ACTS & FACTS
Continuous Environmental Tracking : An Engineering-Based Model...
Purpose The Institute for Creation Research is engaged in our biggest science initiative in the last two decades, and it could be our most important...

ACTS & FACTS
CET: Testing the Cavefish Model
Staff Writer Purpose The Institute for Creation Research (ICR) is testing an engineering- based model of rapid biological adaptation called...

ACTS & FACTS
Original Biochemistry in Fossils
Purpose In 1997, paleontologist Dr. Mary Schweitzer accidentally stumbled upon what appeared to be blood vessels and blood cells from a T. rex...

ACTS & FACTS
Debunking an Iconic Uniformitarian Ice Age Theory
Purpose The Milankovitch, or astronomical, theory holds that the timing of Ice Ages is controlled by slow changes in Earth’s orbital and...

ACTS & FACTS
ICR and Explaining the Ice Age
by Larry Vardiman, Ph.D., and Michael J. Oard, M.S.* Purpose There is strong geological evidence for an Ice Age, so the Institute for Creation...

ACTS & FACTS
Planetary Magnetism
Purpose In 1971, Dr. Thomas Barnes publicized a then “trade secret” of scientists studying the earth’s magnetic field, which...

ACTS & FACTS
Cosmology Research
Purpose Taking the Hebrew text of Scripture at face value without inserting gaps or revising the meanings, the universe is only about 6,000 years...

ACTS & FACTS
The Coconino Sandstone: Water, not Wind
Purpose The Coconino Sandstone is one of the most well-known formations in Grand Canyon. The blond-colored sandstone, just three layers down from...