Development of the New Hebrides archipelago

Abstract

The general geology of the New Hebrides is summarized in terms of three volcanic and two main sedimentary episodes. Calc-alkaline volcanics ol the first episode occur on the western islands and accumulated mainly on the submarine slopes below small reef-fringed volcanic islands in Late Oligocene to Middle Miocene times. During the Late Miocene and Early Pliocene wholly submarine tholeiitic or high-Al volcanics accumulated in the eastern and southern part of the New Hebrides while calcareous sediments were forming in the western islands. During the third volcanic phase, of Pliocene to Recent age, regional uplift has led to most of the volcanics being subaerial while extensive flights of limestone terraces occur round the older islands. In consequence the land area of the New Hebrides has increased rapidly during Quaternary times. The landforms produced are briefly described.