Abstract
We present the morphological analysis of a combined digital elevation model (DEM) obtained by merging data from terrestrial and coastal regions of southern New-Caledonia. Our aim is to describe the Quaternary morphotectonic evolution of the southwestern lagoon of New Caledonia, a region with a shallow average bathymetry (20 m), recently submerged in response to both tectonic and eustatic fluctuations. The marine DEM was obtained by interpolating 131 000 depth soundings from MOP–SHOM (‘Mission oceanographique du Pacifique’–‘Service hydrographique et oceanographique de la Marine’, France). We confirm that morphologies such as meandering channels and deeply incised canyons are the result of a sub-aerial fluviatile evolution during periods of low sea levels. The marine sedimentation in this region is very recent, probably corresponding to no more than two glacial–interglacial cycles. Geometrical relationships between submerged paleo-rivers and streams, including captures and incisions, strongly suggest that Quaternary active tectonics affected river development. We identify two hydrographic palaeo-networks suggesting outflow changes, from parallel to the present-day island axis to perpendicular. To cite this article: V. Chevillotte et al., C. R. Geoscience 337 (2005).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
