Glacial springs on the Island of Hawaii

Author:

Wentworth, Chester K., Powers, William E.

Title:

Glacial springs on the Island of Hawaii

Periodical:

Journal of Geology

Year:

1943

Volume:

60

Pages:

542-547

Subject:

Ground water Mauna Kea Glaciers

Summary:

Located on the island of Hawaii and on the glaciated peak of Mauna Kea volcano, a few small springs of water perch on and in glacial-drift deposits. Since no permanent streams exist and the water supply is very limited, this indicates that the volcanic terrain is very porous and that the annual precipitation is limited -- probably less than 20 inches. However, a well-distributed but limited supply of water comes from small ground-water bodies that are perched on or contained in sheets and lenses of glacial dirt. These drift bodies are much less pervious than the enclosing lava flows and tuffs which lead to the emergence of small springs and seepage along canyon walls and the faces of dry waterfalls. Here the contact between drift beds and overlying lavas is exposed.

Label:

Geology - Glaciation

Date:

1943

Collection:

Periodicals