KOROR STATE GOVERNMENT MARINE TOUR GUIDE ... - C3

1.1.3 Geology and Formation
The volcanic islands of the Pacific were formed as floating plates (moveable sections of
the earth’s crust) on top of the mantle (part of earth between the center and the plates)
deep within the earth pushed against each other. Palau is part of a mountain range that
formed as a result of the Philippine plate pushing down on the Pacific plate
approximately 40 to 70 million years ago. The movement resulted in volcanic activity
that created large islands in the Pacific. The main islands of Palau are volcanic in origin
and include the islands of Koror, Malakal, Arkabesang, and Babeldaob. Originally these
islands were much higher, but over time have been worn down by wind and rain to their
present stature. The reefs that bordered these islands continued to grow and expand
close to the surface of the ocean where there was abundant sunlight. This reef growth
resulted in the formation of atolls and low coral islands where ancient volcanoes sunk or
subsided. The formation of raised limestone islands occurred where the underlying
plate uplifted. These limestone islands are composed of ancient reef structures formed
by corals, calcareous algae, and many marine invertebrates. The jagged harsh surface
of the limestone is caused by years of erosion from rain and wind. The mushroom shape
of the Rock Islands is the result of its famous natural undercut. This undercut was
formed by three processes of erosion: biological, chemical and physical. Bioerosion is
caused by countless grazing and boring by invertebrates like chitons, sea urchins and
worms. Chemical dissolution is caused by carbonic acid that is formed from water and
carbon dioxide from the plants on the islands. Physical erosion is caused by the
constant tidal fluctuations and wave action.
Information Source: History of Palau. 1997. Heritage of an Emerging Nation. Elizabeth
D. Rechebei and Samuel F. McPhetres. Ministry of Education. Republic of Palau.
Ann Kitalong, 2002. A Personal Tour of Palau.
1.2 Modern Palau
1.2.1 Government Structure in Palau
The Palauan Government has three interdependent authorities – national, state, and
traditional. The constitution effective in 1981 is the supreme law of the land.
The national government has an executive branch, led by the President, a two-house
legislature, and a judiciary. The country is divided into 16 states, most of which were
municipalities under the Trust Territory Government. Each state has its own executive
and legislative branches. The state governments are subsidiaries of the national
government and derive their power from the national government. The Palau constitution
provides that the states have only those powers specifically
given by the national government or denied to the national
government.
Palau’s traditional system still exists and operates both
within and outside the constitutional government.
Participation by titled leaders in the national government is
limited. The government has a Council of Chiefs that has
the authority to advise the President on customary matters.
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High Chief Ibedul Gibbons