In the Park (Grades K-12)
Hiking the Kilauea
Iki trail
is one of the best
experiences in the park. Not only did the Kilauea Iki eruption break the
record for fountain height (1,900 feet, or 580 m), it was also very hot
and very rich in olivine. Temperatures were as high as 1150 C (2100 F).
Lava rich in olivine is called picrite. The Kilauea Iki eruption
contained about 20 weight percent olivine and is the only eruption of
picrite at Kilauea in historical time (Helz, 1987). Olivine crystals are
easy to find along the trail on the floor of the crater. Notice the
shape, color, and size of the crystals. Remember, you are in the
national park. Enjoy the olivine crystals but leave them along the trail
for the next group of students.
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