Paleotsunami evidences from boulder deposits on Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire

The paleotsunami debris deposits of Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire are investigated with regard to their geomorphologic characteristics, spatial distribution and their depositional history during the Younger Holocene. Differences between three distinctive formations – ridges, ramparts and boulder assemblages are highlighted and related to their origin within the coastal environment. Relative and absolute age determinations proved evidence for the occurrence of three paleotsunami events at 400-500 BP, 1500 BP and 3500 BP. The tsunamis approached the islands from a northeasterly direction leaving the most impressive geomorphic traces on Bonaire and due to shadowing effects reduced sedimentary effects on Curaçao and Aruba.