Volcanic geomorphology of northern Viti Levu,Fiji

Analysis of radial, centripetal and gutter drainage in the volcanic region of northern Viti Levu, Fiji, enabled the delineation of several distinct volcanoes, despite the early Pliocene age and considerable later erosion. Three main shields with calderas and several smaller volcanoes are mapped. The results are consistent with some other geological and geophysical facts, but do not support the idea that these volcanoes were dominantly submarine eruptions. The method picks out known centres of gold mineralisation and may be applicable, in conjunction with other techniques, in mineral exploration.