Ontong Java Plateau, Solomon Islands

The giant Ontong Java Plateau is located in the Pacific Ocean. Its area is about 2 million square kilometers. Trapp can be compared in size to Alaska. It is located near the Solomon Islands. Trapp had a direct influence on the formation of this picturesque archipelago. The thickness of the trap is 30 kilometers in some places. According to rough estimates, the eruption of igneous rocks took place at this point of the earth about 125 million years ago. The period of activity lasted for more than one hundred years. About 100 million cubic kilometers of lava were thrown to the surface of the earth during this time.

Modern scientists have managed to estimate the approximate center of trap activity after numerous studies. This is the Louisville hotspot. As recent studies have shown, the lava eruption took place in this area in two stages. The period of secondary volcanism began about 40 million years after the end of the first one, during the Upper Cretaceous period. The main part of the trap is underwater. But despite this, it is interesting for numerous island groups.

The beautiful islands of San Cristobal and Malaita, as well as the island of Santa Isabel, are part of trap. Ontong Java atoll is also considered to be part of a huge trap. All these islands are interesting for their unique systems of flora and fauna. The local fertile soils are rich in rare minerals and trace elements. Rare plant species grow here. Unique coral reefs are located near the islands. This leads to a unique system of underwater inhabitants. Next - Plateau of Parana-Etendeca