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A Geological Tour: Magnificent Locations of the United States

Introduction
Human interest in nature is not a new concept. This interest has been going on as far back as history is recorded.  The natural inquisitiveness of humans has led them to discover many natural geological wonders. These wonders did not have help from humankind nor did they need it. They are part of the earth; created from materials and minerals found just beneath the surface and from depths much greater.

Before we begin please understand that in geology, all things come from the earth in some shape, form, or fashion. As we prepare to embark on our journey it would be prudent for everyone to keep in mind that the places we are going to be visiting were made by the earth without intervention from humans. Hopefully, this tour will provide everyone a better understanding of why the study of geology is important. These locations provide a heartwarming contrast between living with the land and living on the land.

Our tour itinerary consists of three stops at geological wonders in the United States. First we shall travel to the astonishing Cascade Mountains in Washington State home of the active volcano Mount Saint Helens. Then off to the tropical Hawaiian Islands to walk along the black sand beaches of Punalu'u. We will be finishing the tour with a nourishing soak in the historic hot springs of Hot Springs, North Carolina.  

Mount St. Helens
Mount St. Helens is located in Washington State nestled within the Cascade mountain range in the southwestern part of the state. The Cascade mountain range extends from Mount Garibaldi, British Columbia, Canada, to Lassen Peak in northern California. Formed from the subduction of the Pacific plate and the North American plate; the Cascades contain a few volcanoes. Of them is the youngest and most famous, Mount St Helens. (Tilling, Topinka, and Swanson, 1990)

Mount St. Helens is a composite volcano or in geologic terminology a stratovolcano. The term stratovolcano means that the mountain is steep-sided and often possesses a symmetrical cone. The cone construction consists of many layers of hardened lava flows, ash and other volcanic debris and tends to erupt violently. (Topinka, 2000) Some Indians of the Pacific Northwest called Mount St. Helens "Louwala-Clough," or "smoking mountain." due to its constant activity throughout history. (Tilling, Topinka, and Swanson, 1990) The mountain was even called the "Fujiyama of America." due to its remarkable resemblance to Mount Fujiyama in Japan. But the name we have come to know it by was given in 1792 by a British Royal Navy Captain by the name of George Vancouver. He named Mount St. Helens in honor of the British Ambassador to Spain, Baron St. Helens. (Tilling, Topinka, and Swanson, 1990).

On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens became famous when it awoke from its 123 year sleep. In true composite volcano form, this eruption was the largest of any volcano in the United States in the 20th century. Its Volcanic Explosive Index or VEI as classified as 5. The Volcanic Explosive Index is the measurement index for volcanoes much like the Richter Magnitude Scale is to earthquakes. The VEI scale ranges from 0, which is considered a non-explosive eruption, to 8 which are very large explosion. Although the explosion killed only 57 people the most extensive damage was done to the environment. The eruption created a debris avalanche that was traveling somewhere between 110 -150 mph engulfing 24 square miles of forest, lakes, and valleys. Along with the avalanche of debris, a mushroom cloud of ash was created that extended 12 miles into the sky turning day to night. The total eruption lasted just 9 hours. Another 48 hours passed before the ash clouds defused enough for light to be permitted through. (Tilling, Topinka, and Swanson, 1990)
It has been almost two decades since Mount St. Helens erupted. The tresses have re-grown denser and fuller due to the mineral rich soil that was released during the eruption. The wilderness surrounding the mountain is bustling with wildlife once again. One might find it hard to imagine that even though Mount St. Helens looks dormant it is still very much active. In the report from the United States Geological Survey dated April 1, 2007, the lava dome inside of the crater is growing along with the release of low emissions of steam and gas. Seismic activity has also been recorded from beneath the mountain but currently there are no concrete predictions of when the next eruption will occur. Mount St. Helens remains on the geologists' volcano watch list to establish a pattern of activity in hopes to prevent further loss of life. (United States Geological Survey Recent updates for US volcanoes: Mount St. Helens)

Mount St. Helens is one of the many volcanoes that are present on the Earth. Although it is relatively young, Mount St. Helens has established a place in American Geological history with the eruption of 1980. From "smoking mountain" to today's Mount St. Helens, the beginning points us in the direction to predict the end.

Now it is time to move on to our next wondrous geological location on the lovely Hawaiian Islands.
Black Sand Beaches of Punalu'u

White and light brown are the colors normally associated with beaches. There is another color that is widely frequented by tourist to the Island of Hawaii. The black sand beaches of Punalu'u are a frequent tourist attraction to those visiting the island.

The black rocky cliffs and fine sand beaches were created from lava flows that cooled when they reached the ocean. Punalu'u is located in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This park became the 1st national park of any United States territories in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson. President Wilson agreed with Congress that "Scientifically and popularly, the volcanoes are a national rather than a local asset, and the opinions of travelers appear to be unanimous that this area is of national importance for park preservation." (Castro, 1953) For the most part, travelers during this time focused on the volcanoes and not the beaches that the lava had created.

When the volcanoes would erupt, the lava would flow to the oceans and instantly cool forming tiny shards of black glass or cliffs of black rock. Over many years erosion from the seas waves created the beaches that we are standing on today. This beach is predominantly composed of the iron rich mafic rock that was once lava. Years of erosion, both chemical and physical, has reduced the mafic rock to sand like particles. With its low silica content, the mafic rock is darker in color than the normal golden brown silica sand that we see on most beaches. Mafic rock is also much heavier which allows it to remain in place and not be washed out to sea by wave action. (United States Geological Survey: Black Sand) Another interesting geological feature that is less popular to vacationers but very interesting to those who study geology is the natural fresh water springs that lie beneath

Punalu'u bay.
Punalu'u translates to mean "diving spring". Located on the ocean bottom there are many fresh water springs that flow into the ocean just a little ways off the beach. For many years the locals would dive down with their gourds and fill them with fresh water from these springs. (Punalu'u Beach Park) Fresh water is also less dense then sea water and can been seen floating on top of the sea much like oil does. Since fresh water is much colder than sea water the first few meters from the beach are very brisk and cold.

Wildlife is abundant along the black beaches. The first western explorers must have overlooked that these beaches were the home of the "honu" or the "honu'ea". (Punalu'u Beach Park) Honu is Hawaiian for green sea turtle and hinu'ea means hawksbill turtle. These giant sea turtles can weigh up to 500 pounds and frequent Punalu'u beach regularly. Punalu'u beach is a nesting ground for both the green sea turtle and the hawksbill turtle. The hawksbill mainly comes out at night but the green sea turtle can be seen basking in the sun daily. These turtles are an endangered species and are protected by law. The law protects all Punalu'u but some locals believe that the area is also protected by gods.

The turtles, sand and volcanoes are sacred to the Hawaiian people. The volcanoes are protected by the god Pele and Kauila protects the sand and turtles. Both are very powerful and just gods according to legend. Pele is both a provider and destroyer which brings forth fire and provides soil for the planting of food. Kauila is said to be able to change from a turtle to a human and walk among us. Kauila is the protector of children and provider of drinking water. (Punalu'u Beach Park) Another legend states that if any of the sand is removed from the islands that Pele and Kauila will curse the families' household until the sand is returned. These myths and legends are still believed today by some of the Hawaiian people. So much so a law was passed that forbids everyone from removing any of the black sand from the beaches. 

Maintaining a balance between nature and human curiosity is especially hard to accomplish on Punalu'u beach. Many people lack the geological knowledge that it has taken many years to create this wondrous place. On Punalu'u beaches harmony is maintained by the simple education of visitors about the geological events that lead to the formation of the beaches.
The preservation of the cultural and natural history these beaches are paramount for the Hawaiian people.

Natural Hot Springs of North Carolina
Hot Springs is located in the Great Smoky Mountain range that goes through North Carolina. Warm Springs was the translated name given to the 100-plus degree natural mineral water spring found there by Native Americans. Not till 1886 when a hotter spring was discovered was the town renamed to Hot Springs. (Painter, 1992)

When someone says hot springs an automatic association with warm or hot water is made. People have learned that this is water that comes up from the earth through the ground. That association is correct but it is extremely simplified. Hot springs or thermal springs can take tens to hundreds of thousands of years to form.

The formation process starts when rainwater containing carbonic acid penetrates through organic mater in the soil and enters fractures in the bedrock. This acid dissolves the bedrock till it reaches a non-dissolving layer of rock such as sandstone which is abundant in North Carolina. Since the water cannot dissolve this rock it begins to cut its way sideways forming an underground stream. Over the years the water hollows out enough rock to create large airspace or a cave if you will. (United States Geological Survey, The water cycle: Springs) In these caves the water is heated by the earth's core and the surrounding rock. Rock is an excellent insulator so the waters temperature remains constant. The deeper the aquifer the higher the water temperature will be. As the water continues to dissolve the rock more minerals are deposited into the water thus raising the water table. This rise forces the water to find a release. Water always follows the path of least resistance. If a crevice is found that is large enough the water will rise up through it more rapidly then it descended. If this happens, a natural thermal spring is created. (United States Geological Survey, The water cycle: Springs)

Natural thermal springs like these in Hot Springs, North Carolina contain minerals that are considered by many to contain healing factors. In the water one will find traces of silica, calcium, magnesium and many more minerals that are good for the body. The mineral springs are not the only thing that is good for the body in Hot Springs. There are scenic stretches that hikers can explore along the 2,100 mile Appalachian Trail. Rafting in the French Broad River and mountain biking are other popular recreations. (Painter, 1992)

Nature has provided Hot Springs, North Carolina an abundance of natural amenities that few cities can provide. The beauty of the landscape, the warmth of the hot springs, and the outdoor recreational opportunities combine to make this a wondrous geological site.

There are many other magnificent geological locations around the world that can be compared to the ones visited on this tour. There are volcanoes like Mount St. Helens in many other countries. The Black beaches of Punalu'u are very rare but there are others. And there are other natural thermal springs like those of Hot Springs, North Carolina. Throughout the entire tour one constant remained.  That was to understand just how important the study of geology is to the conservation of these magnificent locations that were visited. In order to protect the environment humankind must understand why things are the way they are. Once people understand the importance it will make it much easier to figure out how to protect it.

References
Castro, N., (November 1953). The Land of Pele: A Historical Sketch of Hawaii. Hawaii Natural History Association, Vol. V, No. 2. Retrieved on April 29, 2007 from http://www.nps.gov/hawaii-notes/vol5-2.htm.
Painter, J.B., (1992) The German Invasion of Western North Carolina.  Biltmore Press, Asheville, NC 1992. Retrieved on May 26, 2007 from http://www.hotspringsnc.org/frameset.php?MenuName=History
Punalu'u Beach Park. Retrieved on April 29, 2007 from http://www.konaweb.com/features/punaluu/index.shtml.
Tilling, R.I., Topinka, L., &  Swanson, D.A.,(1990). Eruptions of Mount St. Helens: Past, Present, and Future, U.S. Geological Survey Special Interest Publication, 56p. Retrieved on April 1, 2007 from http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/MSH/Publications/MSHPPF/ MSH_past_present_future.html.
Topinka, L., (August 2000) Unites States Geological Survey. Cascade Range Volcanoes Summaries: Mount St. Helens, Washington. Retrieved on May 25, 2007 from http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/Cascades/volcanoes_cascade_range.html#msh
United States Geological Survey: Black Sand. Retrieved on April 29, 2007 from http://wrgis.wr.usgs.gov/docs/parks/coast/sand/blacksand.html.
United States Geological Survey Recent updates for US volcanoes: Mount St. Helens. Retrieved on April 1, 2007, from http://volcano.wr.usgs.gov/vhpstatus.php.
United States Geological Survey, The water cycle: Springs. Retrieved on May 26, 2007 from http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/watercyclesprings.html

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