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Caves and speleogenesis of Mangaia, Cook Islands
Ten caves in the makatea limestone of Mangaia, Cook Islands were explored and mapped, totalling over 3.7 km of passage. Of these, there was an apparent grouping by elevation that corresponds with previously described sea-level terraces in the makatea. Four caves have major level sections 10-20 m above sea-level, corresponding with a 14.5 m Pleistocene terrace. The high dimensions of these caves indicate downcutting during slow uplift, or multiple reoccupations by highstands of Pleistocene sealevels. One major cave has level passage 20-30 m above sea-level, corresponding with a 26-27.5 m terrace. Three caves have level passage 40 m above sea-level, corresponding with a m terrace. Active conduit caves are developed at the present sea-level, but are closed with heavy clay deposits from recent soil erosion.
History
Publication title
Atoll Research BulletinVolume
No. 417Pagination
1-25ISSN
0077-5630Department/School
School of Geography, Planning and Spatial SciencesPublisher
Smithsonian Institution PressPlace of publication
United StatesRights statement
Copyright 1994 The AuthorRepository Status
- Restricted