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Tahiti Newsletter
By Tahiti-Tourisme.com
May 31, 2007, 12:38
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| Te Parau Api |
April / May 2007 | |
| The Islands of Tahiti - A True Vacation "Hotspot" |
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The islands of Tahiti are often referred to as one of the world's dream vacation hot spots. In actuality, this description is true in more ways than one.
In 1963, a Canadian geophysicist named J. Tuzo Wilson was studying the reason why islands form in the middle of large bodies of water, such as the Pacific Ocean. Through his studies of transform faults, he developed a geophysical theory that has become widely excepted, and known, as the "hotspot" theory of island formation.
In his research, Wilson noted that in certain locations around the world, including the islands of Tahiti and Hawaii, volcanic activity had been going on for very long periods of time. His explanation for this was that relatively small, long-lasting, and exceptionally hot regions -- what he called "hotspots" -- were prevalent below the large Pacific Plates that were constantly, but slowly, shifting. These deep-earth hotspots created localized sources of high heat energy called thermal plumes, and resulted in volcanic activity.
Wilson's thinking led to a belief that islands such as those throughout French Polynesia were formed as the Pacific Plate moved over a deep, stationary hotspot in the mantle. Heat from this hotspot would produce a persistent source of undersea magma by partially melting the overriding Pacific Plate. This magma, lighter than the surrounding rock, would rise through the mantle and crust on the seafloor as it erupted, forming an active seamount. Over time (possibly millions of years), continuous eruptions would cause the seamount to grow until it finally emerged as an active island volcano. As the Pacific Plate moved slowly, this process repeated across regions of the Pacific, and archipelagoes -- and their related islands -- were formed.
The lifespan of an island begins to decline as soon as volcanic activity ceases. As the newly formed islands start to age, the crust upon which it sits cools and subsides. This process, along with erosion that happens over time (millions of years), leads to a shrinking of the island, and an eventual submergence of the land mass below the ocean surface.
There are five archipelagoes that make up the islands of Tahiti -- the Austral Islands, the Gambier Islands, the Society Islands, the Tuamotu Atolls, and the Marquesas Islands. The five archipelagoes present an interesting study on Wilson's theory of island development. Under this theory, the Tuamotu Atolls would be the oldest of the island formations in French Polynesia. At one time, the Tuamotu Atolls were volcanic land masses, sitting above water. Over time, erosion of the islands caused them to sink back into the Pacific Ocean. All that remains of the islands that once existed in the Tuamotu Atolls are the protective coral reefs that once circled the volcanic land mass.
The Marquesas Islands are most likely the "newest" of the five archipelagoes, as these islands yet to have reefs prominently formed around them, and their makeup remains more volcanic in structure, with sheer cliffs jutting into open ocean.
To put this into further perspective, the most visited Society Islands – including Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Taha’a, Huahine and Maupiti – are “the middle child,” for lack of a better term. They have high, volcanic islands such as the Marquesas, but they also have the coral reefs which have grown up around the islands and created “motu” (islets). Many of the hotels and resorts on the island of Bora Bora have been built on the motu, offering visitors amazing overwater accommodations with views of Bora Bora’s turquoise lagoon and famed Mt. Otemanu in the distance.
Thanks to the initial work done by J. Tuzo Wilson, we know more about how and why the islands of Tahiti became the "hotspot" destination they are today. And, thankfully, we also know that, while islands like Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti are slowly sinking into the ocean, we still likely have millions of years to enjoy their beauty! |
Illustration of a "Hotspot" - Tahiti & Moorea
Tuamotu Atolls
Marquesas Islands
Society Islands
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| Reaching for the Stars |
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Today, with navigation from point "A" to "B" just a Mapquest or YahooMaps search away, it's easy to forget that, not too many years ago, navigation required more than just a few keyboard clicks or a check of GPS coordinates.
Perhaps even more intriguing is how ancient navigators traveled from continent to continent and, from island to island without the convenience of today's GPS systems and multi-faceted computers.
Tahiti's first settlers reached the Marquesas Islands in approximately 300 B.C. Using ancient, complex celestial navigation methods, they were able to accurately travel hundreds of miles to the Marquesas from Samoa, with very few indicators as guides. Using the sun, moon, stars, and planets to navigate from one island to the next, these explorers relied on natural means to travel with confidence throughout the southern Pacific Ocean.
Celestial navigation is the process of using measurement of angles and distances of celestial objects, and measuring those to the horizon in order to locate one's position. Early Polynesian explorers used the rising and setting points of celestial bodies for direction. By dividing the horizon into sixteen parts, and using those points where the sun rises and sets as the cardinal point, they were able to arrive, often with pinpoint accuracy, at a desired destination.
By taking position in relation to the point of sunrise on the horizon, a navigator would then know his relative direction, and taking into the account the direction of wind and current, the navigator could calculate the direction he must steer in to approach his destination.
At night, the stars would guide the way. With the knowledge of where a star would rise over a particular island, the navigators, with amazing accuracy, were able to sail 24/7, reaching their destinations intact.
While we marvel at the power of today's Global Positioning Systems and satellite devices, it's a valuable lesson to look back at, or better yet -- look up to -- the origins of modern navigation systems.
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| Art Trek: Island Watercolor |
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Paul Gauguin captured the beauty of Tahiti with his paintings, while immersing himself in the beauty of the islands. Through Art Trek, artists and non-artists can easily do as Paul Gauguin did. Art Trek: Tahiti & Huahine Islands, is a watercolor color painting class that teaches and inspires artists and non-artists alike to experiment and express their emotions through the beauty of the islands.
Through interaction with locals and local artists, visits to tropical and coral gardens, snorkeling treks over vibrant schools of colorful fish, outrigger canoeing and much more, Carol Duchamp, the artistic instructor of Art Trek hopes to encourage and bring out a creative expression from her students. While the natural beauty will do its part to inspire, Carol will demonstrate and discuss many innovative watercolor techniques.
Tahiti and Huahine, with its majestic peaks, deep valleys, high waterfalls, and deep crystal-clear lagoons, are naturally the perfect destination for an art trek to bring out the artist in everyone.
To learn more about Art Trek, visit www.arttreks.com |
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| Creating a Barrier to Education |
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Emerged land represents only 1% of French Polynesia’s surface. The 118 islands that compose the 5 archipelagos are surrounded by a huge ocean area full of wildlife. The ocean surrounding the islands of Tahiti are of such high quality that they attract numerous marine mammals, many of which each visitor has an opportunity to view for themselves while exploring the islands of Tahiti.
The lagoons are truly an oasis of life in the deep-sea desert. They offer shelter for the prey, hideout for the hunter, nurseries, food sources, and nesting areas to name a few. The coral reefs found just below the surface, and offering the barrier in order to create these magnificent lagoons have many uses for the diverse and abundant life that relies on it. But the coral reefs are also a very fragile environment. Marine environment preservation requires people’s awareness on the threats that can weigh down on the natural environment. In that context, the “te mana o te moana” association was founded, and currently has a predominant role in educating the public, local population, and most importantly, the children of Tahiti.
Te mana o te moana is a non-profit association which was founded on September 23rd, 2004. It is based on the island of Moorea in French Polynesia and is dedicated to research, conservation, communication, and educational activities throughout the islands of Tahiti. Te mana o te moana’s mission is to protect the marine environment, while simultaneously educating the public.
Dr. Cécile Gaspar is the president and founder of “te mana o te moana.” Dr. Gaspar is deeply involved with the protection of the marine environment and its inhabitants. She spends her time between the association, her activities as the scientific veterinarian manager for the Moorea Dolphin Center, and as an advisor for the Ministry of the Environment.
In partnership with other associations and universities, te mana o te moana is involved in studies and research projects pertaining to the Polynesian marine fauna and flora and island ecosystems. The organization implements programs for the protection and monitoring of French Polynesian marine species (cetaceans, sea turtles, fish, coral). In addition, the association manages the Marine Turtle Clinic, which is set up on the premises of the InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa.
Te mana o te moana promotes environmental awareness for the public, for local populations and especially for children, through school programs and awareness material aimed at a better understanding of the local natural heritage and its fragile balance.
There are many opportunities to learn about te mana o te moana, and to participate in their programs. If you’d like to learn more about this organization, or have any questions for Dr. Gaspar, please find their contact information below.
Please click here to visit te mana o te moana’s website!
Other members of te mana o te moana include:
Richard Bailey
Nicolas Leclerc
Anne Jankéliowitch
Heremoana Pere
Poanere Hora
Rodolphe Holler
Jean-Pascal Arnaud
The te mana o te moana association welcomes master level students specialized in environment that contribute to the projects development, scientific research and communication.
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