Henderson Island : Atoll research bulletin

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.

Available oline

Call Number: [EL]

Physical Description: 220 p.