Petrography of the Island of Hawaii. A study of representative samples of rock types from every volcano on Hawaii by thin sections, mineral grains, and hand specimens

Author:

Macdonald, Gordon Andrew

Title:

Petrography of the Island of Hawaii. A study of representative samples of rock types from every volcano on Hawaii by thin sections, mineral grains, and hand specimens

Periodical:

Geological Survey professional paper ; 214-D

Year:

1949

Pages:

iii, 51-96 p.

Subject:

Petrology Hawaii Island Geology Hawaii Island Lava analysis

Summary:

The study of the petrology of the island of Hawaii is a part of the general investigation of the geology and ground-water resources of the island by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Territory of Hawaii. The lavas of Mauna Kea Volcano are divided into the older Hamakua volcanic series and the younger Laupahoehoe volcanic series. The Hamakua volcanic series consists of two members. The lavas of the lower member are very largely olivine basalt containing abundant phenocrysts of olivine. The lavas of the upper member include olivine basalt, basalt, andesine andesite, and augite-rich picrite-basalt. The Laupahoehoe volcanic series is preponderantly andesine andesite, with a smaller proportion of olivine basalt. Coarse-grained inclusions and ejecta comprise gabbro, dunite and augite peridotite.

Collection:

Monographs