Developing a South Pacific tephra framework: Initial results from a Samoan Holocene sequence

Tephra preserved in sediments form useful isochronous marker layers, linking disparate geological, palaeoenvironmental and archaeological records. The application of tephrochronology is greatly enhanced through the detection macroscopically invisible tephra (cryptotephra). Here, we identify two discrete cryptotephra Samoan lake sediments, first identification region outside New Zealand. Geochemical data suggest one ash layer from a local source, providing on an eruption this age, adding to knowledge volcanic record. second has distinctive rhyolitic glass composition, which matches either that Raoul Island Kermadec Arc (1800 km south Samoa), or currently submarine volcanoes Tongan Arc, ‘Volcano F’ Lateiki/Metis Shoal (550 700 Samoa, respectively). In all possible source cases, points regionally significant Kermadec–Tongan volcano at ca. 10 000 bp. study marks step establishment South Pacific framework can be used answer questions about synchronicity changes hydroclimate, vegetation early Polynesian migration patterns, as well more information history island volcanoes.