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Geology; February 2005; v. 33; no. 2; p. 145-148; DOI: 10.1130/G21066.1
© 2005 Geological Society of America
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New model of reef-island evolution: Maldives, Indian Ocean

P.S. Kench1, R.F. McLean2 and S.L. Nichol3

1 School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
2 School of Physical, Environmental and Mathematical Sciences, University of New South Wales, ACT 2600, Australia
3 School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand

A new model of reef-island evolution, based on detailed morphostratigraphic analysis and radiometric dating of three islands in South Maalhosmadulu Atoll, Maldives, is presented. Islands initially formed on a foundation of lagoonal sediments between 5500 and 4500 yr B.P. when the reef surface was as much as 2.5 m below modern sea level. Islands accumulated rapidly during the following 1500 yr, effectively reaching their current dimensions by 4000 yr B.P. Since then the high circum-island peripheral ridge has been subject to seasonal and longer-term shoreline changes, while the outer reef has grown upward, reducing the energy window and confining the islands. This new model has far-reaching implications for island stability during a period of global warming and raised sea level, which will partially reactivate the energy window, although it is not expected to inhibit upward reef growth or compromise island stability.

Key Words: atoll • reef islands • sedimentation • Holocene • coral reefs • sea-level rise




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