Geohazards revealed by myths in the Pacific: a study of islands that have disappeared in Solomon Islands

Patrick Nunn; T Heorake; E Tegu; B Oloni; K Simeon; L Wini; S Usuramo; P Geraghty

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Geohazards revealed by myths in the Pacific: a study of islands that have disappeared in Solomon Islands

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Geohazards revealed by myths in the Pacific: a study of islands that have disappeared in Solomon Islands

Patrick Nunn, T Heorake, E Tegu, B Oloni, K Simeon, L Wini, S Usuramo and P Geraghty

Minami Taiheiyo Kenkyu, Vol.27(1), pp.37-49

2006

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Abstract

geohazards

island flank collapse

myths

plate convergence

Solomon Islands

tsunami

Part of the central Solomon Islands island arc is uncommonly vulnerable to a range of geohazards that are related to the southwards convergence of the Pacific Plate along the North Solomons Trench. Among these hazards is likely to be collapses of the flanks of islands resulting from the steep angles, perhaps triggered by earthquakes. A study of oral traditions in the area, principally on the islands Ulawa, Makira and Maramasike (eastern Malaita), targeted those relating to islands alleged to have disappeared. The most widespread tradition refers to Teonimanu that probably slipped down the sides of the wall of the nearby Cape Johnson Trench. Another tradition refers to the Ta'aluapuala group that may have, by analogy with geophysical observations, sunk in the area off northeast Maramasike. Other traditions may refer mostly to low sand islands washed by large waves. It is clear that the study of myths has much to contribute to an understanding and assessment of geohazards in parts of the Pacific like Solomon Islands.

Details

Title: Geohazards revealed by myths in the Pacific: a study of islands that have disappeared in Solomon Islands
Authors: Patrick Nunn (Author) - University of the South Pacific, Fiji
T Heorake (Author) - University of the South Pacific, Fiji
E Tegu (Author) - University of the South Pacific, Fiji
B Oloni (Author) - University of the South Pacific, Fiji
K Simeon (Author) - University of the South Pacific, Fiji
L Wini (Author) - University of the South Pacific, Fiji
S Usuramo (Author) - University of the South Pacific, Fiji
P Geraghty (Author) - University of the South Pacific, Fiji
Publication details: Minami Taiheiyo Kenkyu, Vol.27(1), pp.37-49
Publisher: Kagoshima University Research Center for the Pacific Islands
Date published: 2006
ISSN: 0916-0752
Organisation Unit: Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Law and Society; Sustainability Research Cluster
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449350102621
Output Type: Journal article

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