Journal article
Illuminating sea-level fall around AD 1220-1510 (730-440 cal yr BP) in the Pacific Islands: Implications for environmental change and cultural transformation
New Zealand Geographer, Vol.56(1), pp.46-54
2000
Abstract
This paper focuses on the climatic transition between the Little Climatic Optimum (approximately AD 750-1300 or 1200-650 cal yr BP) and the Little Ice Age (approximately AD 1300-1800 or 650-150 cal yr BP) in the Pacific Islands. This transition was marked by rapid temperature and sea-level fall, and perhaps by sharply-increased precipitation associated with an increase in El Nino frequency. Examples from throughout the Pacific Islands demonstrate the possible and/or likely effects of sea-level fall at this time on inland horticulture through water-table fall; on coral reefs and lagoons through the emergence of reef surfaces and the consequent reduction of nearshore water circulation; on the emergence of reef islets and the conversion of tidal inlets to brackish lakes. The effects of such changes on human lifestyles are explored.
Details
- Title
- Illuminating sea-level fall around AD 1220-1510 (730-440 cal yr BP) in the Pacific Islands: Implications for environmental change and cultural transformation
- Authors
- Patrick Nunn (Author) - University of the South Pacific, Fiji
- Publication details
- New Zealand Geographer, Vol.56(1), pp.46-54
- Publisher
- Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia
- Date published
- 2000
- DOI
- 10.1111/j.1745-7939.2000.tb00559.x
- ISSN
- 0028-8144
- 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
- 99450331702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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