Late Quaternary sea-level and tectonic changes in northeast Fiji

Abstract

The islands of northeast Fiji studied are all the emergent parts of the northern end of the Lau–Colville Ridge, a remnant island arc which has been rising for most of the Quaternary. Within the study area, investigations of coastal landforms (primarily emerged notches and shore platforms) and emerged coral reefs allow rates of tectonic movements to be calculated. The Vanuabalavu Island group is shown to have subsided during the late Quaternary while the area around is shown to have risen over the same time period. This disparity may be a result of tensional rifting associated with the continuing rotation of the Fiji Platform.