Submerged springs are a common groundwater discharge feature of the karst aquifers along the Mediterranean coast. They form in karst areas where, during previous geological periods, the sea level has risen, or the shoreline lowered.

Delineation of Coastal Landforms created during periods of lower sea level. These features may or may not be submerged today (e.g. as a result of isostatic rebound). Where possible these have been subdivided into the type of Coastal Landform e.g. Beachrock, Littoral deposit, Coastal dunes, Cliff, Sand bars, beach ridges, Other. Where information is available on the genesis of the beach deposit this has been provided, e.g. foreshore sediment, aeolian sediment (e.g. dunes). Where information on sediment grain size and composition is available this has been provided. Uncemented/cemented (e.g. beach rock). Chronological information is presented as calendar age BP. Confidence is defined as follows: 1. High: Sampled feature with good age and palaeoenvironmental control. 2. Sampled feature with poor or none age and palaeoenvironmental control. 3. Constructed by remote sensing data only. 4. Low: Reasonable without any direct evidence.

Former lake landform. Where information on the genesis of the feature is available (e.g. dammed glacial lake) this has been included. Chronological information is presented as calendar age BP. Confidence is defined as follows: 1. High: Sampled feature with good age and palaeoenvironmental control. 2. Sampled feature with poor or none age and palaeoenvironmental control. 3. Constructed by remote sensing data only. 4. Low: Reasonable without any direct evidence.

Sea level is known to have fluctuated by more than 100 metres over repeated glacial cycles resulting in recurring exposure, inundation and migration of coastlines. Landscape response to these changes in sea level, and the preservation of these features on continental shelves around Europe, are an invaluable resource for improving our understanding of human history and environmental change over geological time.

The work package aimed to compile and harmonise available information on submerged landscape features by integrating existing records of palaeoenvironmental indicators with interpretations of geomorphology, stratigraphy and type of sediment.

Delineated Terraces. Terraces are defined as a step-like landform and can be sub-divided thus: 1. Marine (1a: erosional / 1b: depositional); 2. Fluvial (2a: erosional / 2b: depositional); 3. Lacustrine (3a: erosional / 3b: depositional); 4. Other. Further information on genesis of the terrace e.g. Erosional (e.g. wave-cut platform), Depositional (e.g. fluvial margins) is presented if known. Chronological information is presented as calendar age BP. Confidence is defined as follows: 1. High: Sampled feature with good age and palaeoenvironmental control. 2. Sampled feature with poor or none age and palaeoenvironmental control. 3. Constructed by remote sensing data only. 4. Low: Reasonable without any direct evidence.

Submerged forest is defined as the in situ remains of trees (especially tree stumps) that now lie submerged beneath a bay, sea, ocean, lake, or other body of water. Chronological information on method used (e.g. dendrochronology, radiocarbon dating, based on indirect evidence etc.) and age as calendar age BP is included where known. Confidence is defined as follows: 1. High: Sampled feature with good age and palaeoenvironmental control. 2. Sampled feature with poor or none age and palaeoenvironmental control. 3. Constructed by remote sensing data only. 4. Low: Reasonable without any direct evidence.

Coastal and submarine springs subdivided as: 1. Coastal; 2. Submarine; 3. Other. Where information on the genesis of the feature is available that is also given e.g. geological fault (FEA_GEN_TY). The rate of flow in m3 / second is specified if known. Confidence is defined as follows: 1. High: Sampled feature with good age and palaeoenvironmental control. 2. Sampled feature with poor or none age and palaeoenvironmental control. 3. Constructed by remote sensing data only. 4. Low: Reasonable without any direct evidence.

Palaeocoastline polyline features delineating former coastlines and shorelines subdivided into those which have been mapped (direct observation) or modelled. Chronological information is presented as calendar age BP. Confidence is defined as follows: 1. High: Sampled feature with good age and palaeoenvironmental control. 2. Sampled feature with poor or none age and palaeoenvironmental control. 3. Constructed by remote sensing data only, 4. Low: Reasonable without any direct evidence

Submerged accumulation of partially decayed vegetation or organic matter. Chronological information is presented as calendar age BP. Confidence is defined as follows: 1. High: Sampled feature with good age and palaeoenvironmental control. 2. Sampled feature with poor or none age and palaeoenvironmental control. 3. Constructed by remote sensing data only, 4. Low: Reasonable without any direct evidence