Contenu du sommaire

Following a short visit paid to the Gilberts in 1967, a comparison is made with the Tuamotus. The island distribution around the Gilbert atolls is strongly asymmetrical, more than usually in other archipelagoes. The renewal of water in lagoons through oceanic supply is easy since atoll rims are discontinuous. Coral growth on reef flats is almost nil, but corals thrive on outer upper slopes. The Porolithon ridge is absent, a feature to be probably ascribed to the moderation of surf in the doldrums, whereas surf is heavier under the Tropics where trade winds blow stronger. Shallow gaps between islands are not frequently closed by spits on their inner sides, since the waves in lagoons are not so high as in the Tuamotus where such features are common. No old emerged ledge was found in those islands which were investigated. Mangrove thrives, while it is not found in the Tuamotus. As to the human and economic geography, the Gilberts are overpopulated (50.000 inhabitants). Their present economic status keeps many features of the old Pacific island civilisation; Pandanus still plays a very large role in the Gilbertese life, and old fashions in crops are still in use, as the taro cultivation in pits. Coconut trees are poorly grown, and islander wages are not high. Housing of native civil servants is, however, getting more modern, and a semi-urban pattern appears in the southern part of Tarawa, the main atoll of the group. But the possibilities for a further economic development look to be limited.