October 18, 2012
Ancient tsunami’s link to Maori migration theory
A Victoria University archaeologist is linking ancient tsunamis to Pacific and Maori migration patterns.
Bruce McFadgen has co-authored an article with former NIWA scientist James Goff, now Professor of Tsunami Studies at the University of New South Wales, suggesting that last year's Japanese tsunami could be the starting point to reevaluate theories on Pacific settlement.
He believes tsunamis in the 15th century had a severe impact on Maori coastal populations and could have led to the abandonment of long distance sea voyaging as people lost the skills and inclination to make such voyages.
Evidence has been found of a tsunami at Houhora in the far north between 1300 and 1500 that was at least 30 metres high and penetrated at least 800 metres inland, and a later tsunami on the southeast Wairarapa coast got as far as 300 metres inland.
Dr McFadgen says if archaeologists look for tsunami signs when they are studying coastal sites around the Pacific, it could help to prove or disprove the theory.