USP Electronic Research Repository

Geomorphological evolution of the Navua river, Fiji

Terry, James P. and Ollier, C.D. and Pain, C.F. (2002) Geomorphological evolution of the Navua river, Fiji. Physical Geography, 23 (5). pp. 418-426. ISSN 0272-3646

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

The Navua River on the main island of Fiji displays anomalous drainage features and associated fluvial forms. The River course makes a right-angled bend approximately halfway along its course, beyond which it flows through a narrow gorge cut into hard volcanic rocks. Several tributaries enter the gorge as high cascades from hanging valleys. It is proposed that the former course of the palaeo-Navua River flowed east in a straight line along the modern Waidina River, and eventually discharged into Fiji's Rewa River system. Evidence for this is the presence of a spectacular dry gorge (a wind gap) at the head of the Waidina River. Previous ideas of river capture fail to explain the evolution of the local fluvial geomorphology. Instead, tectonic uplift probably dammed the palaeo-Navua and diverted it to its present short course to the sea. This new hypothesis provides a more plausible, simultaneous account for all the major fluvial geomorphic features, their geographical distribution and their relationship with geology in the Navua region.

Item Type: Journal Article
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GB Physical geography
Divisions: Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) > School of Geography, Earth Science and Environment
Depositing User: Ms Neha Harakh
Date Deposited: 17 Nov 2002 00:54
Last Modified: 01 May 2012 06:46
URI: https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/2709

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item