Driver of eustatic change during the early Aptian Ocean Anoxic Event 1a (∼120 Ma) [Global and Planetary Change, Volume 229, October 2023, 104236]: Comment

The suggestion by Xu et al. (2023) that aquifer-eustasy is the dominant driver of early Aptian sea-level change is refuted. Misconceptions on the out-of-phase nature of aquifer-eustasy and its plausible magnitudes are corrected. Care is needed when interpreting carbonate platform facies during the time of global anoxic events and more research is required into the interplay between palaeoclimate, sea-level, and facies. •Aquifer-eustasy as the primary driver for early Aptian eustasy is refuted.•Aquifer-eustasy works in phase with glacio- and thermo-eustasy.•Magnitudes of observed sea-level change require appeal to processes additional to aquifer-eustasy.•Interpretation of sea-level change requires care, especially during times of ocean anoxic events.