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Geological histories and geohazard potential of Pacific Islands illuminated by myths

  • Patrick Nunn
  • , Ronna Pastorizo

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterResearch

    15 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Understanding of the geological history of the Pacific, especially its geohazard potential, can be improved using details in ancient and properly-authenticated Pacific Islander myths. To demonstrate this, a synthesis of Pacific Island origin myths involving islands having been either 'fished up' or 'thrown down' is presented, with an account of origin myths for the island Niue used as a case study. A discussion of geohazards and myths in the Pacific focuses on tsunami, coseismic uplift, and island flank collapse, the last being illustrated by the first analysis of myths recalling 'vanished islands' in the Pacific.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationMyth and Geology
    EditorsLuigi Piccardi, W Bruce Masse
    Place of PublicationLondon, United Kingdom
    PublisherGeological Society of London
    Pages143-163
    Edition1
    ISBN (Print)1862392161, 9781862392168
    Publication statusPublished - 2007

    Publication series

    NameGeological Society Special Publication
    Number273
    ISSN (Electronic)0305-8719

    Keywords

    • Geomorphology and Regolith and Landscape Evolution

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