Geomorphology of the Elate Island (New Hebrides)

Abstract

Efate Island (New Hebrides) is characterized with great variety of landforms which differ by their genesis and age. The island topography had been developed in short geological time – during Pliocene-Pleistocene. The whole geomorphic cycle began after a group of volcanoes emerged from ocean at Pliocene. Fringing reefs encircled them and later on formed a succession at different hypsometric levels according to the volcanoes uplift. The uplift proceeded at high rare and the fringing reefs formed a series of steps from 0 to 400 m above sea level.

A geomorphological map of the island has been compiled, landforms and their complexes being briefly described. Absolute age of three terraces is given.