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Explore how volcanic activity and climate variations influence landscape evolution through erosion, landslides, and sediment transport in this 55-minute research presentation by Justin Higa from the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa. Discover how the Hawaiian Islands serve as natural laboratories for studying erosional processes, examining the complex interplay between tectonic activity, diverse lithologies, and variable climate conditions across different island flanks. Learn about two comprehensive experiments conducted on West Maui Volcano that investigate erosion patterns over both million-year geological timescales and shorter decadal periods. Examine how volumetric erosion rates correlate with rainfall patterns and hydrothermal alteration of basaltic bedrock through valley volume analysis spanning approximately one million years of geological history. Investigate sediment size variations across more than 50 stream transects to understand sedimentation patterns influenced by stream discharge differences between windward and leeward valleys. Understand how different basalt flow types, including 'a'ā and pāhoehoe formations, contribute varying particle sizes to stream systems and affect downstream sediment characteristics. Gain insights into the critical role that bedrock lithology variations, controlled by historical volcanic processes, play in erosion rates across both geological and human timescales. Apply this knowledge to improve hazard mitigation strategies for landslides, debris flows, and other erosional natural disasters in volcanic island environments.
