Cochise College Student Papers in Geology
Geology Home Page physical geology historical geology planetary gems
Roger Weller, geology instructor
wellerr@cochise.edu
Hawaii
by Krystal Hitchins
Physical Geology
Fall 2009
Geology of Kaua’i
The oldest major Hawaiian Island (geologically) is the Island of Kaua’i, or its
nickname, the Garden Isle; it is over 5 million years old.
Hawaiian-Emperor Volcanic Chain
Photo
courtesy of
http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=10865&page=6
Kaua’i is a member of the Hawaiian-Emperor Volcanic Chain, which is a string of
volcanoes that were created by passage of the Pacific Plate over the Hawaiian
magmatic hot spot.
Photo courtesy of http://www.hawaii.edu/environment/ainakumuwai/html/ainakumuwaiislandformation.htm
A volcano is the primary reason for the formation of Kaua’i. The Olokele
Volcano rose above sea level, more than 8000 feet, then, it collapsed. When the
volcano collapsed, it created a caldera, in fact, it is the largest caldera
associated with the Hawaiian Islands. Pahoehoe lava, later on, filled the
caldera creating distinct layers.
Many different factors contribute to shape of Kaua’i that continues to change
over time. When it first formed from the pacific plate and the magmatic
hotspot, it may have looked like a typical shield volcano. But, as lava filled
the caldera, formations took place, which were then separated by layers of
breccia. Another contributing factor to the newest look of Kaua’i is the
landslides that happen throughout the island. There were some landslides that
helped to form the NaPali cliff, which are partially composed of basaltic lava
flows and can be found in the northern region of Kaua’i. The NaPali cliffs are
also thought to be formed with help from the waves of the ocean, the lava rock
was being cut away by the waves.
Photo courtesy of
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/66/180432434_714c34e34a.jpg
On the southern most shore, a stream was redirected because of more landslides.
Erosion started to begin on Waimea Canyon because of the Makaweli Depression
(which is a slope) that had been affected by the previous redirection of the
streams. These landslides had so many affects and are partially responsible for
the changing geology in Kaua’i. The Island of Kaua’i may not only appear to be
smaller compared to millions of year ago but actually is smaller than millions
of year ago. This is because of the subsidence that is slowly taking place.
A magnificent canyon can also be found on the island of Kaua’i, Waimea Canyon.
Waimea Canyon is also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”.
Photo courtesy of
http://kauai.aloha-hawaii.com/tours/waimea+canyon/
The Waimea Canyon received its nickname from Mark Twain, who compared the
beautiful scenery to that of the Grand Canyon located in Arizona. This
particular canyon was formed with the help of floods and streams that came from
one of the wettest places in the world, Mount Wai‘ale‘ale. This canyon is also
unique in that the actual, original volcano collapse the helped to create Kaua’i,
made this canyon. The basalt on the east side of Waimea is now a bright reddish
color instead of black because of the length it has been exposed.
Kaua’i is a geologically rich island full of history and life. From understanding how it formed, to the amazing landmarks it has today, one can only appreciate what it has to offer. The geology of Kaua’i is phenomenal, it contains everything from pahoehoe lava flow, bright red basalt, to landslides, and all of it contributes to the evolving island.
WORK CITED
http://www.hawaii.edu/environment/ainakumuwai/html/ainakumuwaiislandformation.htm
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Kaua’i
http://www.Kaua’idiscovery.com/Kaua’i/history/
http://www.kokee.org/waimea-canyon/geology
http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/dynamic/hotspots.html
http://www.agiweb.org/geotimes/jan04/Travels0104.html#
http://www.geog.nau.edu/courses/alew/ggr346/text/chapters/ch12.html
http://www.teok.com/Kaua’iFacts.html
http://kauai.aloha-hawaii.com/tours/waimea+canyon/
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/313413/Kaua’i
