New Geologic Map of Island of Hawaii

New Map Reveals Natural History of the Island of Hawaii

image of lava flowing down the flank of Kilauea Volcano

Lava flows from Pu`u O`o vent of Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii

A new USGS geologic map of the Island of Hawaii is the first to show in detail the age and distribution of lavas that form the surfaces of the five volcanoes on Hawaii's "Big Island." From youngest to oldest, these volcanoes are Kilauea, Mauna Loa, Hualalai, Mauna Kea, and Kohala. Each began to grow below sea level, then emerged from the sea and continued to grow, ultimately joining its neighbors to form a single island. The map is a compilation of geologic mapping from 1975 to 1995 by approximately 20 geologists. "This map is the best-documented record of the long-term eruptive histories of these volcanoes, and it provides us with critical data for analysis of volcano hazards, geothermal resources, volcano growth rates and patterns, and the character of the magma-supply system at each volcano," according to Edward W. Wolfe, co-compiler of the map. "This recent geologic mapping has greatly refined our understanding of the natural history and growth of the Island of Hawaii." The island continues to grow today with the ongoing eruption of Kilauea Volcano.

There are actually two maps of Hawaii, both published in 1996, as noted below.

Geologic Map of the Island of Hawaii
Edward W. Wolfe and Jean Morris, compilers
scale 1:100,000
3 sheets, descriptive pamphlet
U.S. Geological Survey Miscellaneous Investigations Series Map I-2524-A

Sample Data for Geologic Map of the Island of Hawaii
Edward W. Wolfe and Jean Morris, compilers
scale 1:100,000
3 sheets, descriptive pamphlet
U.S. Geological Survey Miscellaneous Investigations Series Map I-2524-B

TO ORDER EITHER OF THESE MAPS:

Call 1-800-872-6277 (1-800-USA-MAPS) or write to

U.S. Geological Survey
Information Services
Box 25286
Federal Center
Denver, CO 80225

Copies can also be purchased from

Hawaii Natural History Association
PO Box 74
Hawaii National Park, HI 96718
(808) 967-7604; fax (808) 967-8186

email hnha@aloha.net

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URL of this page: http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/About/Highlights/HawaiiMap/HawaiiMap.html
updated 3 March 2000 (SRB)