The First Blog Post~!

When you first descend down onto Oahu, you will notice the houses that carefully line the valleys on the eroding mountains that stand center stage. The range of mountains that touch the city of Honolulu is called the Ko'olau. Growing up, I lived in a valley that was carved out of this beautiful mountain. I remember asking my father multiple times whether or not it would erupt one day. My father always told me "no, not this one, but the mountain on the Big Island does and will continue to do so".

(http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/dynamic/graphics/hot_spot.gif)

The reason that this particular mountain is no longer active is because it is no longer connected to the Hot Spot, which feeds the lava through the island. This is also the way each island was formed and created. The Hot Spot released lava onto the ocean floor and builds up over time creating each mountain. As the Pacific tectonic plate shifts Northwest, the location of where the lava flows changes. Creating each individual mountain.

 (http://www.hawaiiforvisitors.com/images/oahu/attractions/oahu-koolau-mountains-hvcb-301x200.jpg)

Thankfully, Ko'olau range on Oahu no longer has the ability to erupt because it has shifted away from the Hot Spot. But the creation that was left behind is truly beautiful.

Introduction Time!

Hello there!

My name is Audrey Chiya. I am currently a Junior at the University of Colorado Denver. I am a Psychology, B.A. major and a Ethnic Studies minor. I recently moved to an apartment here in Littleton, CO this past summer. I have attended school at UCD for the past three years and I am originally from Honolulu, HI. When I was younger, I always took for granted the little island I called home, but now after being away for so long, I've grown a greater appreciation for home.

I selected Honolulu because well, that's where I'm from. I remember in school always being told how awesome Hawaii is geologically and what not. Also, that it is extremely unique from the rest of the world. I never really paid attention when people would explain that to me, but after my new found appreciation for home, I am extremely curious to find out what they meant! So I figured, Hawaii would be a great and unique way to experience and learn materials for this class. I am also very curious as to how the geography of my little tiny island chain will differ from that of Colorado.