Geologic map of the middle east rift geothermal subzone, Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaiʻi
Links
- More information: USGS Index Page (html)
- NGMDB Index Page: National Geologic Map Database Index Page (html)
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
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 37 separate eruptions during late Holocene time. Lava flows erupted during 1983-96 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 in. 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 previous mapping by the authors and a single date from the current mapping effort. The numerical ages are supplemented by observations of stratigraphic relations, degree of weathering, soil development, and vegetative cover.
Study Area
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Geologic map of the middle east rift geothermal subzone, Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaiʻi |
| Series title | IMAP |
| Series number | 2614 |
| ISBN | 9781411306592 |
| DOI | 10.3133/i2614 |
| Edition | Version 1.0 |
| Year Published | 2006 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Contributing office(s) | Volcano Science Center |
| Description | 1 Map, 34.17 × 26.40 inches |
| Country | United States |
| State | Hawaii |
| Other Geospatial | Kilauea Volcano |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | Y |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |