The main aim in this project is to test the hypothesis that sea level and paleoceanographic changes are equal players controlling carbonate platform development. We want to document this by analysing carbonate periplatform sediments deposited shortly after the fast sea level rise in the Early Pliocene at approx. 5.4 Ma. This event was followed by large-scale paleoceanographic reorganisations related to the closing of the Panama Strait at approx. 4.6 Ma. For our analysis we will use periplatform sediments taken within three large carbonate provinces being Great Bahama Bank (ODP Leg 166), NE Australian carbonate platforms (Queensland Plateau, ODP Leg 133 & Marion Plateau, ODP Leg 194) and the Great Australian Bight (Southern Australia, ODP Leg 182). The analysis made will involve a large set of standard sedimentological, geochemical and paleontological analytical techniques. These analyses will be combined with petrophysical and logging data measured onboard to develop an overall sedimentation model for each individual carbonate province. The main parts of the cores are already available thus limiting the time for sample collection.