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Geology of Kilauea Volcano |
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| PROJECT DESCRIPTION | Monitoring the ongoing eruption of Kilauea Volcano is the primary job of the Geology group. The active flow field today extends from the Pu`u `O`o vent at about the 2400-ft elevation to the coastal plain, 10 km distant. We map newly emplaced lava flows, collect samples of fresh lava, measure changes in vent configuration, and alert the Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and local government of any hazards posed by the eruption. |
| VOLUNTEER DUTIES | Geology-group field work includes periodic helicopter flights and foot traverses to the active flow field. Volunteers assist with geologic mapping, lava sampling, and recording field observations. They help with geodetic and geophysical measurements and studies of inactive parts of the volcano. Volunteers also assist with office-related tasks, such as processing geologic samples for geochemical and petrographic analysis, logging images from time-lapse cameras at the eruption site, and archiving digital data. |
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KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS REQUIRED |
Applicants must be at least 20 yrs old, and should be either working toward a degree in earth science, have already completed such a degree, or have equivalent work experience. Computer savvy preferred. Applicants must be in good physical condition and be willing to spend a day hiking over uneven ground in the rain with a heavy pack. Applicants should not have respiratory or other health problems that might be aggravated by exposure to volcanic fumes or intense heat. They must provide their own field gear, including a large-sized day pack, raingear, and sturdy, leather hiking boots. |
Geology of Mauna Loa Volcano |
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| PROJECT DESCRIPTION |
 The
primary goal of this project is to produce detailed geologic maps
of Mauna Loa Volcano (photo at right, aerial view of northeast rift zone)
and compile a temporal and spatial record of the volcano's eruptive
activity for the past 10,000 years (the period of time recorded
by surface lava flows).
To accomplish this, every significant surface flow needs to be mapped, its composition characterized, and its age determined by radiocarbon dating or stratigraphic position. This will be by far the most detailed map ever made of any volcano on Earth; over 500 separate flows have been mapped to date, requiring the establishment of large databases to archive and compile flow attributes. All mapping and flow attributes are being compiled into a GIS system to allow quantitative analyses of the distribution and variation of eruptive products over time. These analyses will allow quantitative refinement of volcanic-risk assessments for Mauna Loa in ways never before attempted for any volcano. |
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| VOLUNTEER DUTIES |
Volunteers working on this project gain experience in
geologic mapping and map production. Volunteers will assist in
a variety of mapping and field methods, including sampling charcoal,
collecting rock samples and preparing them for analysis and petrographic
study, identifying flow boundaries, and determining ages of lava flows.
Volunteers may also help in paleomagnetic drilling of lava flows and
processing paleomagnetic samples and data. Volunteers will assist
in constructing digital geologic maps at 1:24,000 scale, and compiling,
cataloging, and entering Mauna Loa geologic data into a database. Volunteers
will also assist in making plots and figures, preparing reports, and
other project support work.
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KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS REQUIRED |
Applicants should either (1) be working toward a degree in the physical
sciences, particularly geology, earth science, or environmental sciences;
(2) have already completed such a degree; or (3) have equivalent work
experience. Volunteers must be in top physical shape and have a working
knowledge of location and outdoor survival skills in a wide range of
environments ranging from arid desert and dense rain forests to alpine
snowfields (yes, it snows on Mauna Loa!). Familiarity with GIS, computer
spreadsheets, word processing, and a good work ethic is desired.
Applicants should demonstrate good written, communication, and documentation skills. The ability to work with minimal supervision preferred. Applicants currently working toward a Bachelor's degree or higher in geology or physical volcanology are strongly desired. |
Geology of Haleakala and Kilauea Volcano |
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| PROJECT DESCRIPTION | The Maui-Kilauea project is chiefly a mapping project that enhances our understanding of the volcanic history of Haleakala volcano (East Maui) and the southwest rift zone of Kilauea (Hawaii). This project is also undertaking the digitization of the geologic map of the State of Hawaii, using existing map data for several islands and the newly acquired data from the Big Island and Maui. This latter task will benefit greatly from a volunteer's participation. |
| VOLUNTEER DUTIES | Specific task is the digitization of the State of Hawaii Geologic Map, chiefly an office task. Volunteer work will include interpreting and digitizing existing maps, in GIS, to depict geology on a modern topographic base. Verifying the attributes of existing digital maps requires a volunteer capable of attention to detail. Some field work if desired, in which case the volunteer may dedicate at least one day a week to various field tasks, including geologic mapping, surveying, and participation in other observatory field duties requiring assistance. |
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KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS REQUIRED |
Applicants must be at least 20 yrs old and should be working toward a degree in Earth Science, have already completed such a degree, or have equivalent work experience. Geologic mapping experience is required, at least to the level of standard summer field camps but preferably greater. Experience with word-processing and spreadsheet computer programs a must. GIS experience desired. Applicants wishing to take advantage of the meager field opportunities must be in good physical condition and willing to spend a day hiking over uneven ground in the rain with a heavy pack. Those applicants must provide their own field gear, including a large-sized day pack, raingear, and sturdy, leather hiking boots. |
