Geology Students
There are approximately 25 students majoring in Geology at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Some were born and raised in the islands; others are on the National Student Exchange program; still others are from foreign countries. But they all share common interests: a love for the outdoors, for geology, and for volcanoes.
Opportunities with the US Geological Survey
UH Hilo Geology Majors often have opportunities to work on projects with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
Ernest Olsen (above) selects archived seismic records (in this case, the 1963 Koae swarm) for digital scanning. Storing this information on computer, before the seismographs deteriorate, is critical. Scientists can then analyze the data precisely, comparing the old records with patterns recorded digitally today. Read details!
Jacob Smith (above) has been assisting HVO with analyzing particles ejected from Halemaumau. The UH-Hilo Geology Department lab has equipment used to prepare samples for chemical and petrographic analysis; tracking the composition of these products helps scientists better understand the underground magma system.
Diversity
UH Hilo Geology Majors Come From a Wide Variety of Backgrounds & Locales.
Andrew Kaipu, from Papua New Guinea
Ramona Navarette and Kristen Rocha, mothers of schoolchildren
Joe Kaipat, from Saipan, Marianas Islands
Ron Tingook, from Alaska
Tom Robb, retired longshoreman