Lake Waiau: past and present

Author:

Massey, Jane E.

Title:

Lake Waiau: past and present

Periodical:

Bulletin of the Pacific Tropical Botanical Garden

Year:

1978

Volume:

8

Pages:

67-69

Subject:

Diatoms Lake Waiau Lake Waiau

Summary:

Located at the 3969 meter on the summit plateau of Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii, Lake Waiau is a shallow, heart-shaped body of water that is less than one hectare in area. Likely being the first humans to visit Lake Waiau, the ancient Hawaiians established adze quarries possibly 1000 years ago at the 3353 meter elevation of Keanakakoi as this lake was likely their water source. However, the first recorded ascent of Mauna Kea was made by Goodrich in December, 1832. This was followed by a second ascent that was made in August, 1833. As alpine lakes generally comprise a unique ecosystem set, those that are located in the tropical/subtropical regions provide a further and more distinctive subset because they are isolated by a complex and varied set of conditions at adjacent lower elevations. However, in the case of Lake Waiau, the availability of future study of this lake and its biota in their present form will change as an increase human vehicular activities occur in association with astronomical observatories that are located nearby. As a result, this study provides a basis for assessing changes in the lake environment and for establishing management proposals so that this uniquely scientific and valuable natural resource may be preserved.

Label:

Lake Waiau

Date:

1978

Collection:

Periodicals