Paauhau civil defense cave on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, a lava tube modified by water erosion

Author:

Kempe, Stephan, Bauer, Ingo, Henschel, Horst-Volker

Title:

Paauhau civil defense cave on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, a lava tube modified by water erosion

Periodical:

Journal of Cave and Karst Studies

Year:

2003

Volume:

65

Pages:

76-85

Subject:

Lava tubes Kukaiau Cave Speleology

Summary:

In 2000 and 2001, 2 large (1000 m long) cave systems were surveyed on the eastern flank of Mauna Kea: The Paauhau Civil Defense Cave and the Kukaiau Cave. They are the first substantial caves on the island of Hawaii showing extensive morphological signs of water erosion. All observations indicate that the Kukaiau Cave is erosional in origin, with missing lava tube features and a graded hydraulic profile. The Paauhau Civil Defense Cave, however, originated as a lava tube, as indicated by the presence of the typical morphologic elements of a lava tube, such as secondary ceilings, linings, base sheets, lava stalactites, and lava falls. The finding of water-erosional caves in the lavas of Hawaii offers a new view on deep-seated water courses in volcanic edifices.

URL:

http://ftp.caves.org/pub/journal/PDF/V65/v65n1-Kempe_et_al.pdf

Date:

2003

Collection:

Periodicals