Location
SPREP LIBRARY
Publisher
Smithsonian Institution
Publication Year:
1989
Publication Place
Washington DC
Physical Description:
220 p.
Call Number
[EL]
Relevant Countries
Pacific Region
Collection
Material Type
Language
English
Record ID:
34666
Legacy PEIN ID:
74667
General Notes
Available oline
Available online
Subject Heading(s)
Atoll - Protection
Abstract
Interpretation of SEASAT geoid anomaly data and improved seafloor mapping of the south-central Pacific suggest a complex tectonic history for the islands of the Pitcairn group. While Oeno atoll formed at ~ 16m.y.BP at a 'hotspot' now south of the Easter micro- plate, subsequent progressive island development at Henderson (13m.y.), Ducie (8m.y.) and Crough seamount (4m.y.) resulted from the lateral leakage of magma from the Oeno lineation along an old fracture zone, itself originating during the Tertiary reorientation of the Pacific plate. At all four islands cessation of volcanism was followed by subsidence, and the development of a carbonate cap. By comparison, Pitcairn has been the product of recent (clm.y.) volcanic activity along an independent, subparallel hotspot lineation. Nevertheless, this activity has interacted with the older island chain by transforming Henderson Island, through the process of lithospheric flexure, into an uplifted atoll with - 30m of relief.
Location
SPREP LIBRARY
Publisher
Smithsonian Institution
Publication Year:
1989
Publication Place
Washington DC
Physical Description:
220 p.
Call Number
[EL]
Relevant Countries
Pacific Region
Collection
Material Type
Language
English
Record ID:
34666
Legacy PEIN ID:
74667
General Notes
Available oline
Record Created: 08-May-2008
Record Modified: 02-Mar-2021