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

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 away 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

Early Lapita settlement site at Bourewa, southwest VitiLevu Island, Fiji

A newly-discovered Lapita settlement at Bourewa on southwest VitiLevu Island, Fiji, was established originally on an offshore island perhaps as much as 1220 BCE by people whose main concern was optimal access to the broad fringing reef. Satellite settlements were established at nearby Rove and Waikereira later in Lapita times. The three oldest radiocarbon dates obtained from the base of the tightly-packed shell midden layer excavated at Bourewa and charcoal in the beach sand below are calibrated/corrected to 1220-970 BCE, 1210-940 BCE, and 1130-910 BCE. The BourewaLapita site appears to be the oldest-known in Fiji