New model of reef-island evolution: Maldives, Indian Ocean

Research Article| February 01, 2005 New model of reef-island evolution: Maldives, Indian Ocean P.S. Kench; P.S. Kench 1School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar R.F. McLean; R.F. McLean 2School of Physical, Environmental and Mathematical Sciences, University of New South Wales, ACT 2600, Australia Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar S.L. Nichol S.L. Nichol 3School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (2005) 33 (2): 145–148. https://doi.org/10.1130/G21066.1 Article history received: 27 Jul 2004 rev-recd: 18 Oct 2004 accepted: 21 Oct 2004 first online: 09 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation P.S. Kench, R.F. McLean, S.L. Nichol; New model of reef-island evolution: Maldives, Indian Ocean. Geology 2005;; 33 (2): 145–148. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G21066.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract A new model of reef-island evolution, based on detailed morphostratigraphic analysis and radiometric dating of three islands in South Maalhosmadulu Atoll, Maldives, is presented. Islands initially formed on a foundation of lagoonal sediments between 5500 and 4500 yr B.P. when the reef surface was as much as 2.5 m below modern sea level. Islands accumulated rapidly during the following 1500 yr, effectively reaching their current dimensions by 4000 yr B.P. Since then the high circum-island peripheral ridge has been subject to seasonal and longer-term shoreline changes, while the outer reef has grown upward, reducing the energy window and confining the islands. This new model has far-reaching implications for island stability during a period of global warming and raised sea level, which will partially reactivate the energy window, although it is not expected to inhibit upward reef growth or compromise island stability. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.