Evidence for a Holocene High Sea-Level Stand, Vanua Levu, Fiji

Abstract

Two distinct elevations of emerged notches can be recognized on the southeastern coast of Vanua Levu: the higher notch is +2.22 to +3.30 m above low-tide level and the lower +1.52 to +1.65 m above low-tide level. Many emerged Holocene corals encrust higher notch floors and benches or occur as microatolls and from these radiocarbon ages ranging from 6000 to 3400 yr B.P. were obtained. The higher notches are significantly higher than present high-tide level, even allowing for relative tectonic uplift. This is supported by elevations of emerged microatolls and their ¹⁴C ages. Thus, mean sea level of the mid-Holocene was higher than that at present.