Masefau is a village located in the Eastern District of American Samoa, near the villages of Utuloa and Masausi. It is situated along Masefau Bay, on the northeast side of Tutuila Island.
History
The pillboxes associated with the Masefau Defensive Fortifications, a World War II-era monument, was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2012.
Geography
Masefau Bay is located approximately 1.5 miles east of Afono Bay on Tutuila Island. The bay is sheltered on its northwest side by Nuusetoga Island (also known as Bartlett Island), which is connected to the west point of the bay by a reef. A rock protruding above water is situated near Tiapea Point, the eastern boundary of the bay. The inner part of Masefau Bay is fringed by a coral reef, which limits the anchorage area and leaves only a narrow channel for small boats to access the beach. The village of Masefau is situated on the western side of the bay.
Geology
The Masefau Dike Complex is a geological feature comprising hundreds of basaltic dikes, ranging from a few centimeters to 2 meters in width. These dikes, which are vesicular, platy, or amygdaloidal, strike N70°E and dip slightly southward. They are among the oldest exposed rocks in the region, believed to be remnants of a volcanic rift zone. The complex is exposed at a cliff near Nuusetoga Island (formerly Bartlett Island), which may represent an eroded fault scarp or sea cliff. The cliff is topped with 3–23 meters of vitric basaltic pumice and cinders, overlaid by aa basalt flows. Geologist Harold Stearns proposed that this area may be part of an eroded caldera wall of an ancient volcano or an early rift zone horst block of the Pago Volcano. Formed at depths of 92–610 meters beneath a volcanic rift zone, the dike complex is intersected by thin, faulted basaltic lava flows dipping 10–20° NW. Repeated dike intrusions likely fractured the rocks, causing brecciated material to settle into the underlying magma chamber. Over time, erosion has removed over 300 meters of overlying lava.
Flora
Mangrove forests are found at four locations on Tutuila Island in American Samoa: Masefau, ʻAoa, Nuʻuuli, and Leone. The mangrove forest at Masefau is particularly notable for its unique setting. It is nearly enclosed by a sandy beach ridge and extends approximately 200 meters inland. Although its landform resembles that of coastal marshes, it remains connected to the sea through a stream channel, allowing the tidal inundation essential for the mangrove ecosystem's survival. There is speculation that the beach ridge, on which the village of Masefau is situated, may be partially man-made.
Fauna
Small numbers of the Black Turtle (Chelonia agassizii) have been recorded within Masefau Bay.
References
- Stubbs, John and Julia Gatley (2023). Architectural Conservation in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands: National Experiences and Practice. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 9781003807940.
- U.S. Defense Mapping Agency (1977). "Sailing Directions for the Pacific Islands: Volume 3, the South-central Groups". U.S. Department of Defense. Page 169.
- Keating, Barbara H. and Barrie R. Bolton (2012). Geology and Offshore Mineral Resources of the Central Pacific Basin. Springer New York. Page 152. ISBN 9781461228967.
- Whistler, W. Arthur (2002). The Samoan Rainforest: A Guide to the Vegetation of the Samoan Archipelago. Isle Botanica. Page 51. ISBN 9780964542631.
- Whistler, W. Arthur (April 1980): “The Vegetation of Eastern Samoa”. Pacific Tropical Botanical Garden. Pages 103-104. Retrieved on November 30, 2024, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349619846_The_Vegetation_of_Eastern_Samoa
- Amerson, A. Binion, W. Arthur Whistler, and Terry D. Schwaner (1982). “Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat of American Samoa II: Accounts of Flora and Fauna. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Page 38.