Geology topics
Research about Hawaii
Source-linked reports with geographic coverage including Hawaii.
Recovery of datable charcoal beneath young lavas: Lessons from Hawaii
Field studies in Hawaii aimed at providing a radiocarbon-based chronology of prehistoric eruptive activity have led to a good understanding of the processes that govern the formation and preservation of charcoal beneath basaltic lava flows. Charcoal formation is a rate-dependent process controlled primarily by temperature and duration of heating, as well as by moisture content, density, and size of original woody material. Charcoal will form wherever wood buried by lava is raised to sufficiently high temperatures, but owing to the availability of oxygen it is commonly burned to ash soon after formation. Wherever oxygen circulation is sufficiently restricted, however, charcoal will be preserved, but where atmospheric oxygen circulates freely, charcoal will only be preserved at lower temperature, below that required for charcoal ignition or catalytic oxidation. These factors cause carbonized wood, especially that derived from living roots, to be commonly preserved beneath all parts of pahoehoe flows (where oxygen circulation is restricted), but only under margins of aa. Practical guidelines are given for the recovery of datable charcoal beneath pahoehoe and aa. Although based on Hawaiian basaltic flows, the guidelines should be applicable to other areas.
Petrology of Hualalai volcano, Hawaii: Implication for mantle composition
Hualalai is one of five volcanoes whose eruptions built the island of Hawaii. The historic 1800-1801 flows and the analyzed prehistoric flows exposed at the surface are alkalic basalts except for a trachyte cone and flow at Puu Waawaa and a trachyte maar deposit near Waha Pele. The 1800-1801 eruption produced two flows: the upper Kaupulehu flow and the lower Huehue flow. The analyzed lavas of the two 1800-1801 flows are geochemically identical with the exception of a few samples from the toe of the Huehue flow that appear to be derived from a separate magmatic batch. The analyzed prehistoric basalts are nearly identical to the 1800-1801 flows but include some lavas that have undergone considerable shallow crystal fractionation. The least fractionated alkalic basalts from Hualalai are in equilibrium with mantle olivine (Fo87) indicating that the Hawaiian mantle source region is not unusually iron-rich. The 1800-1801 and analyzed prehistoric basalts can be generated by about 5-10% partial fusion of a garnet-bearing source relatively enriched in the light-rare-earths. The mantle underlying the Hawaiian Islands is chemically and mineralogically heterogeneous before and after extraction of the magmas that make up the volcanoes.
Rates of volcanic activity along the southwest rift zone of Mauna Loa volcano, Hawaii
Flow-by-flow mapping of the 65 km long subaerial part of the southwest rift zone and adjacent flanks of Mauna Loa Volcano, Hawaii, and about 50 new 14C dates on charcoal from beneath these flows permit estimates of rates of lava accumulation and volcanic growth over the past 10 000 years. The sequence of historic eruptions along the southwest rift zone, beginning in 1868, shows a general pattern of uprift migration and increasing eruptive volume, culminating in the great 1950 eruption. No event comparable to 1950, in terms of volume or vent length, is evident for at least the previous 1000 years. Rates of lava accumulation along the zone have been subequal to those of Kilauea Volcano during the historic period but they were much lower in late prehistoric time (unpubl. Kilauea data by R. T. Holcomb). Rates of surface covering and volcanic growth have been markedly asymmetric along Mauna Loa's southwest rift zone. Accumulation rates have been about half again as great on the northwest side of the rift zone in comparison with the southeast side. The difference apparently reflects a westward lateral shift of the rift zone of Mauna Loa away from Kilauea Volcano, which may have acted as a barrier to symmetrical growth of the rift zone. -Author
Transition of basaltic lava from pahoehoe to aa, Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii: Field observations and key factors
Nearly all Hawaiian basaltic lava erupts as pahoehoe, and some changes to aa during flowage and cooling; factors governing the transition involve certain critical relations between viscosity and rate of shear strain. If the lava slows, cools, and stops in direct response to concomitant increase in viscosity before these critical relations are reached, it remains pahoehoe. But, if flow mechanics (flow rate, flow dimensions, slope, momentum, etc.) impel the lava to continue to move and deform even after it has become highly viscous, the critical relations may be reached and the lava changes to aa. Typical modes of transition from pahoehoe to aa include: (1) spontaneous formation of relatively stiff clots in parts of the flowing lava where shear rate is highest; these clots grow into discrete, rough, sticky masses to which the remaining fluid lava incrementally adheres; (2) fragmentation and immersion of solid or semi-solid surface crusts of pahoehoe by roiling movements of the flow, forming cores of discrete, tacky masses; (3) sudden renewed movement of lava stored and cooled within surface reservoirs to form clots. The masses, fragments, and clots in these transition modes are characterized by spinose, granulated surfaces; as flow movement continues, the masses and fragments aggregate, fracture, and grind together, completing the transition to aa. Observations show that the critical relation between viscosity and rate of shear strain is inverse: if viscosity is low, a high rate of shear is required to begin the transition to aa; conversely, if viscosity is high, a much lower rate of shear will induce the transition. These relations can be demonstrated qualitatively with simple graphs, which can be used to examine the flow history of any selected finite lava element by tracing the path represented by its changing viscosity and shear rate. A broad, diffuse “transition threshold zone” in these graphs portrays the inverse critical relation between viscosity and shear rate; the transition to aa is represented by the path of the lava element crossing this zone. Moving lava flows can be regarded as natural viscometers, by which shear stress and rate of shear strain at selected points can be determined and viscosity can be computed. By making such determinations under a wide range of conditions on pahoehoe, aa, and transitional flow types, the critical relations that control the pahoehoe-aa transition can be quantified.
Test drilling in basalts, Lalamilo area, South Kohala District, Hawaii
Test drilling has determined that a downhole-percussion airhammer can be used effectively to drill basalts in Hawaii. When used in conjunction with a foam-type drilling fluid, the hammer-bit penetration rate was rapid. Continuous drill cuttings from the materials penetrated were obtained throughout the borehole except from extremely fractured or weathered basalt zones where circulation was lost or limited. Cementing of these zones as soon as encountered reduced problems of stuck tools, washouts, and loss of drill-cuttings. Supplies and logistics on the Hawaiian Islands, always a major concern, require that all anticipated drilling supplies, spare rig and tool parts, drilling muds and additives, foam, and miscellaneous hardware be on hand before starting to drill. If not, the resulting rig downtime is costly in both time and money.
Compilation of the data from the 1978 Hawaii seismic refraction experiment on the west flank of Mauna Loa
In October 1978 (J.D. 286), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) established a seismic refraction line perpendicular to the Kona coast of Hawaii (Fig. 1). The purpose of the experiment was to define the crustal structure of the Kona coast and its relationship to the tectonics of Mauna Loa volcano. This open-file report describes the experiment and presents the data without interpretation. A similar experiment was performed earlier off the southeast coast of Hawaii. Those data are described in Zucca and others (1979) and the results presented in Zucca and Hill (1980).
A catalogue of drill core recovered from Kilauea Iki lava lake, from 1967 to 1979
The purpose of this report is to serve as a descriptive catalogue for drill core recovered from Kilauea Iki lava lake, from 1967 to 1979. Kilauea Iki lava lake was formed when lavas of the 1959 summit eruption were ponded in Kilauea Iki pit crater, a large pit crater at the extreme upper end of Kilauea's east rift zone (Fig. 1). This eruption is one of the best documented of Kilauean eruptions: Murata and Richter (1966) and Richter and Murata (1966) presented data on the chemistry and petrography of the lavas, respectively, and Richter et al. (1970) described the complex filling of the pit crater in considerable detail. Investigation of the lava lake began a few months after the crust stabilized, with the establishment of two perpendicular lines of levelling stations on the surface of the lake. In 1960-62, four holes were drilled through the upper crust in the center of the lake; the crust was 22-44 feet (6.7-13.4 m) thick at that time. Richter and Moore (1966) presented petrographic, modal, and chemical data on the core recovered from this early drilling. The upper crust of Kilauea Iki was drilled again in 1967 by staff members of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, and core was recovered from three holes. In 1975, U.S. Geological Survey workers drilled three more holes, each a few feet away from one of the 1 967 holes. A summary of all work done on Kilauea Iki and other Hawaiian lava lakes through 1975 has been given by Wright et al. (1976). The lake has been redrilled twice since 1975, by workers from Sandia Laboratories, as part of their Magma Energy Research program, in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey. In 1976, they drilled two holes near the center of the lake. In 1978-79, they drilled a total of six holes; one, commissioned by the U.S. Geological Survey, went completely through the lava lake near its north edge, into the pre-1959 lavas below.
Water resources data for Hawaii and other Pacific areas, water year 1979: Volume 1. Hawaii
Volume 1 of water resources data for the 1979 water year for Hawaii and other Pacific Areas consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; and water levels and water quality in wells and springs. This report contains discharge records for 111 gaging stations; water quality for 12 gaging stations, 103 partial-record flow stations, and 157 wells; and water levels for 22 observation wells. Also included are 106 crest-stage partial-record stations and 18 low-flow partial-record stations. Additional water data were collected at various sites, not part of the systematic data collection program, and are published as miscellaneous measurements. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State, Federal, and other agencies in Hawaii.
Water resources data for Hawaii and other Pacific areas, water year 1979: Volume 2. Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and Northern Mariana Islands
Volume 2 of water resources data for the 1979 water year for other Pacific areas consist of records of stage, discharge, and water quality of streams; stage of a reservoir; and water levels in wells and springs. This report contains discharge records for 41 gaging stations; stage only record for 1 gaging station; water quality for 1 gaging station, 20 partial-record stations; water temperature for 42 gaging stations; water levels for 13 observation wells; tide level for 1 tide station; and 7 water level less tide level tables. Also included are 26 low-flow partial-record stations. Additional water data were collected at various sites, not part of the systematic data collection program, and are published as miscellaneous measurements. These data represent that part of the National Water Data System operated by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating Governments and Federal agencies in other Pacific areas.
An analysis of the magnitude and frequency of floods on Oahu, Hawaii
An analysis of available peak-flow data for the island of Oahu, Hawaii, was made by using multiple regression techniques which related flood-frequency data to basin and climatic characteristics for 74 gaging stations on Oahu. In the analysis, several different groupings of stations were investigated, including divisions by geographic location and size of drainage area. The grouping consisting of two leeward divisions and one windward division produced the best results. Drainage basins ranged in area from 0.03 to 45.7 square miles. Equations relating flood magnitudes of selected frequencies to basin characteristics were developed for the three divisions of Oahu. These equations can be used to estimate the magnitude and frequency of floods for any site, gaged or ungaged, for any desired recurrence interval from 2 to 100 years. Data on basin characteristics, flood magnitudes for various recurrence intervals from individual station-frequency curves, and computed flood magnitudes by use of the regression equation are tabulated to provide the needed data. (USGS)
Radiocarbon dates from the Hawaiian Islands: A compilation
Radiocarbon dating has proved to be a useful tool for the correlation of events and their timing during the Quaternary. In the Hawaiian Islands, the application of this technique is providing a chronology of the geologic history that will serve as a framework for studies of volcanologic and related hazards, sea-level changes, paleomagnetism, and paleobotany. Many 14 C dates have also been determined for archaeological studies on the Islands. During the last 3 years, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) radiocarbon laboratory at Reston, VA, has determined more than 100 14 C dates from carbonized roots and other plant material collected from beneath prehistoric lava flows and ash deposits from Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanoes. Prior to 1976, only 10 flows from these volcanoes had been dated by radiocarbon methods. Collection of dateable material has been facilitated by an improved understanding of the conditions of charcoal formation and preservation beneath basaltic lavas (Lockwood and Lipman, 1979). The purpose of this report is to gather all published Hawaiian radiocarbon dates, except geochemical dates, together in order to spare those working on the geologic and archaeologic history of the Islands the time and energy necessary to recover these dates from their various sources, as well as to prevent duplication of effort in the field and laboratory. A few unpublished dates from the Reston laboratory are also included. The listing and bibliography are as complete as possible. The U.S. Geological Survey library was used as the primary source of information. The dates are divided by island, and, within island groups, by category of interest. Within each category, dates are listed chronologically from youngest to oldest. The letter before the lab number tells what lab ran the sample. The list of laboratories gives the addresses.
Test monitoring of prototype injection well, Waiale, Maui, Hawaii
A high-capacity prototype injection well was tested in the isthmus area of Maui, Hawaii. Pumping tests were made on April 14 and 15, 1978, and 10 injection tests were made between May 12 and June 30, 1978. Selected tests were monitored in order to obtain data which could be used to assess the effects of subsurface disposal on the ground water in the basal aquifer. Pumping and injection rates were measured. Basal-water head responses to pumping and injection were observed at the prototype well and at two observation wells located 435 and 6 ,100 feet from the prototype well. Water-quality samples were collected at the prototype well and the nearest observation well prior to testing. Samples of the injection water, as well as samples from the observation wells, were collected prior to and after the final test. The head data and water-quality data are presented in this report.
Reconnaissance of potential for potable ground-water supply at Kipahulu District, Haleakala National Park, Maui, Hawaii
Kipahulu Valley drains an area of 12.7 square miles on the southeast side of the island of Maui, Hawaii. The aquifer underlying the lower reaches of the valley comprises recent lava flows. Fresh groundwater occurs in the aquifer as a thin basal lens, which discharges as diffuse seeps along the shore. Measured basal-water heads were 1.3 and 2.4 feet at respective distances of 600 and 3,500 feet from the shore. Chemical analyses of groundwater samples indicate that the water is potable. Wells to develop the basal water should be located at least 1,000 feet from shore. Well penetration should be limited to the upper half of the basal lens, and drawdown caused by pumping should not be greater than half of the head above sea level in order to avoid the risk of contamination by underlying saline water.
A compilation of the data from the 1976 Hawaii seismic refraction experiment
In November 1976, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in conjunction with the Hawaii Institute of Geophysics (HIG) of the University of Hawaii established a seismic refraction line perpendicular to the southeast coast of Hawaii (Fig. 1). The purpose of the experiment was to define the crustal structure of the southeast coast and its relationship to the tectonics of Kilauea volcano. This open-file report describes the experiment and presents the data without interpretation.