Kauahikaua’s presentation is one of many programs offered during Volcano Awareness Month and in celebration of HVO’s 100th anniversary. Call 985-6011; visit www.hvo.wr.usgs.gov. The story of the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this month, is the
The story of the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this month, is the topic of an “After Dark in the Park” program in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, in the park’s Kilauea Visitor Center auditorium.
Scientist-in-Charge Jim Kauahikaua will talk about the founding of the observatory in 1912, as well as HVO’s achievements monitoring Hawaiian volcanoes and earthquakes during the past century. Park entrance fees apply.
The founding of HVO, America’s first volcano observatory, is attributed to Thomas A. Jaggar in the year 1912. But the study and monitoring of Kilauea actually began in 1911 with Frank Perret, who came to Hawaii at the request of Jaggar. Jaggar arrived at Kilauea on Jan. 17, 1912, and immediately set forth monitoring earthquakes and changes in the shape of Kilauea with the best tools available to him at the time: a few seismometers, some meteorological equipment and a surveyor’s transit.
A century later, HVO scientists in 2012 analyze data collected from more than 100 field stations, each of which consists of one to five instruments, including seismic, deformation, volcanic-gas, geologic and other monitoring tools.
These stations transmit data to HVO around the clock, with a single instrument sending as much as 60 terabytes of data each year — more information than Jaggar could have imagined possible.
Kauahikaua will tell the story of HVO’s first 100 years, the various buildings and locations HVO has occupied, the legacy of HVO’s leaders, the evolution of volcano monitoring tools and techniques, and significant discoveries along the way.
HVO’s entire history is a lot of information to compress into a 45-minute presentation, but Kauahikaua says not to worry. He is coauthor of a new USGS General Interest Product, “The Story of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory — A Remarkable First 100 Years of Tracking Eruptions and Earthquakes.” One hundred paper copies of the publication will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to attendees at his talk.
The public is also invited to attend an open house of the observatory in celebration of HVO’s centennial milestone.
“HVO is not ordinarily open to the public, so our open house on Jan. 21 is a special opportunity for island residents and visitors to see how we monitor Hawaiian volcanoes and to interact with HVO scientists,” said Kauahikaua.
Kauahikaua’s presentation is one of many programs offered during Volcano Awareness Month and in celebration of HVO’s 100th anniversary. Call 985-6011; visit www.hvo.wr.usgs.gov.
