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Digital Database of the Geologic Map of the Middle East Rift Geothermal Subzone, Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i

Data Series 1111
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ds1111

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Abstract

This database release contains all the information used to produce Geologic Investigations Series I-2614 (https://pubs.usgs.gov/imap/2614/). The main component of this digital release is a geodatabase prepared using ArcGIS, but Esri shapefiles are included as well.

Kīlauea is an active shield volcano in the southeastern part of the Island of Hawai‘i. The middle East Rift Zone (MERZ) map includes about 27 square kilometers of the MERZ and shows the distribution of the products of 34 separate eruptions during late Holocene time. Lava flows erupted during 1983–86 have reached the mapped area. The subaerial part of the MERZ is 3–4 km wide and about 18 km long. It is a constructional ridge, 50–150 m above the adjoining terrain, marked by low spatter ramparts and cones as high as 60 m. Lava typically flowed either northeast or southeast, depending on vent location relative to the topographic crest of the rift zone. The MERZ receives more than 100 inches of rainfall annually and is covered by tropical rain forest. Vegetation begins to grow on lava a few months after its eruption. Relative heights of trees can be a guide to relative ages of underlying lava flows, but proximity to faults, presence of easily weathered cinders, and human activity also affect the rate of growth. The rocks have been grouped into five basic age groups. The framework for the ages assigned is provided by eight radiocarbon ages from nearby mapping by the authors and a single date from within this investigation area. The numerical ages are supplemented by observations of stratigraphic relations, degree of weathering, soil development, and vegetative cover.

Suggested Citation

Zoeller, M.H., Trusdell, F.A., and Moore, R.B., 2019, Digital database of the geologic map of the middle east rift geothermal subzone, Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai'i: U.S. Geological Survey Data Series 1111, scale 1:24,000, https://doi.org/10.3133/ds1111.

ISSN: 2327-638X (online)

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Digital database of the geologic map of the middle east rift geothermal subzone, Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i
Series title Data Series
Series number 1111
DOI 10.3133/ds1111
Year Published 2019
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Volcano Science Center
Description Database; Metadata; Read Me
Country United States
State Hawaii
Other Geospatial Kilauea volcano middle East Rift Zone
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details