The geology and hydrology of Western Samoa

Abstract

Savai'i and Upolu islands are moderately well roaded, the former with di sco ntinuous coast roads, the latter with coastal and two cross-island roads. All islands are covered with moderately den se tropical forest, which, however, does not render progress as difficult as in many types of New Zealand forest. Upolu Island is narrowly elliptical in outline, roughly 47 miles by 16 miles; a rugged chain of volcanic cones forms the crestal ridge rising to 3,600 ft. Savai'i Island, 47 miles by 27 miles, consists of broad coalescing domes topped by numerous cones, of which the highest rise to over 6,000 ft.