The Kukaiau Cave, Mauna Kea, Hawaii, created by water erosion: a new Hawaiian cave type

Author:

Kempe, Stephan, Werner, Marlin Spike

Title:

The Kukaiau Cave, Mauna Kea, Hawaii, created by water erosion: a new Hawaiian cave type

Periodical:

Journal of Cave and Karst Studies

Year:

2003

Volume:

65

Pages:

53-67

Subject:

Kukaiau Cave Speleology Lava tubes

Summary:

In 2000 and 2001, two large (each ca. 1000 m long) cave systems have been surveyed on the eastern flank of Mauna Kea: The Paauhau Civil Defense Cave and the Kukaiau Cave (at first called ThatCave/ThisCave System). They are the first substantial caves documented for lavas of Mauna Kea and the first caves on Hawaii showing extensive morphological signs of water erosion. The Paauhau Civil Defense Cave is a lava tube. Subsequently, the cave was modified erosionally by a stream which entered upslope and traversed much of the cave. In contrast the Kukaiau Cave is essentially erosional in origin. This is concluded from the geology of the strata exposed in the cave and from its morphology. Also, in its phreatic section, the cave makes several right angle turns and moves upward through a series of pahoehoe sheets, unlike any lava tube. Water moving along this base layer on a steep hydraulic gradient through the interstices of aa and through small pahoehoe tubes exerted a high pressure on the porous diamict of the lower cave, causing its erosional removal.

URL:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/249369044_The_Kuka%27iau_Cave_Mauna_Kea_Hawaii_created_by_water_erosion_A_new_Hawaiian_cave_type

Date:

2003

Collection:

Periodicals