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GEOSCIENCE ON THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII KONA SCIENCE PROJECT |
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MAINPAGE |
OF BIG ISLAND |
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Glacial Deposits and Astronomy Observatory |
The summit of Mauna Kea is an unique locality. This is the top of the planet’s tallest mountain, with its base 18,000 feet below sea level and top at an elevation of nearly 14,000 feet. Some of Earth’s largest and most expensive astronomy observatories take advantage of the summit’s clear, high-altitude atmosphere, well above the climatic inversion layer, on one of the planet’s most isolated islands surrounded by thousands of miles of relatively thermally-stable ocean. We will visit at least one of those observatories. We will also examine sedimentary deposits and related features representing some of the numerous episodes of Pleistocene glaciation during which time the mountain supported a thick ice cap. Early Polynesian settlers climbed the mountain to quarry dense basaltic lavas that had chilled to just the right texture when they erupted under the ice cap; they used the rock to shape adzes and other useful artifacts. Plant and animal species found no other place in the world live in this unique, clear, calm and dry environment. A visit to the summit of Mauna Kea is a memorable journey. |
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VOLCANOES |
ROAD TRIP |
MAUNA KEA |
SOUTH POINT |
BEACHES & REEFS |
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