Hawaiian alpine lake level, rainfall trends, and spring flow

Author:

Woodcock, Alfred H.

Title:

Hawaiian alpine lake level, rainfall trends, and spring flow

Periodical:

Pacific Science

Year:

1980

Volume:

34

Pages:

195-209

Subject:

Lake Waiau Rain and rainfall Hawaii Island Drought

Summary:

During the period of May 1965 to November 1978, 127 measurements were made of Lake Waiau water levels and overflow. Differences in water level are compared to the Hawaii statewide rainfall index, and to Waihu Spring flow. The lake level is a useful indicator of rainfall trends among the islands. Measurements of the tritium concentrations of Puu Waiau crater perched lake and groundwaters are used to indicate that seepage from the lake is probably the principal spring-water source during drought periods and a layer of permafrost blocks direct groundwater seepage out of the Waiau crater. Study of the changes in lake and groundwater levels during the 30-month dry period July 1976 to December 1978 indicates that the groundwater basin probably occupies almost the entire Waiau crater catchment area.

Label:

Lake Waiau

URL:

http://hdl.handle.net/10125/1619

Date:

1980

Collection:

Periodicals