Volcanic and seismic hazards on the island of Hawaii (rev. ed.)

Heliker, C

A readable and comprehensive summary of the hazards from lava flows, earthquakes, and tsunami on the island of Hawaii. The author presents a hazard zonation for the island, ranging from 1 (highest hazard at the summits and rift zones of Kilauea and Mauna Loa) to 9 (lowest hazard on the dormant, and possibly extinct, Kohala Volcano). Detailed hazard maps showing historical flows, roads, and population centers are included for each of the five volcanoes on the island. Earthquake haards are summarized with maps showing areas of persistently high seismicity and the location of all historical earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater on the island of Hawaii. Tsunami hazard is illustrated by a map of travel times to Hawaii from points around the Pacific Ocean where large earthquakes could generate tsunami. The author emphasizes that locally generated tsunami pose a far greater hazard because of the short time between occurrence of the earthquake and arrival of the wave. The author briefly discusses hazard mitigation. Methods recommended to mitigate lava flows are (1) efficient evacuation procedures, and (2) restriction of building in zones of high hazard. Lava diversion is considered less viable because of uncertainties as to whether it would work under differing eruption conditions, and the legal and political problems associated with highly populated areas. Lava diversion barriers to protect valuable, isolated facilities is considered viable. Mitigation of earthquake hazards is possible through enforcement of modern engineering codes for all new construction. Preface 2 Introduction 3 Volcanic hazards 6 Lava flows Airborne lava fragments Volcanic gases Explosive eruptions Ground cracks and settling Lava flow hazard zone maps 21 Kilauea Mauna Loa Hualalai Mauna Kea and Kohala Earthquake hazards 33 Tsunamis 40 Living with volcanic and seismic hazards 44 Selected readings 48

Volcanic and seismic hazards on the island of Hawaii (rev. ed.)

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