Through My Eyes, In My Words:

The Geologic Evolution of the Hawaiian Islands

Taught by Lawrence L. Malinconico, associate professor of geology and environmental geosciences, and Dru Germanoski, professor and head of geology and environmental geosciences

Derek Pizarro of West Chester, Pa., is pursuing two degrees, a B.S. in geology and A.B. in history. A member of Geology Club, he is a former varsity swimmer and current co-captain of the water polo club. Pizarro supervises lifeguards at Ruef Natatorium and works with Special Olympians. He has served on the Lafayette Sports Council and is a disk jockey on the College radio station, WJRH.

This course can be encompassed by the sentiment offered by Professors Larry Malinconico and Dru Germanoski on the last day of the trip.

In the shadow of Diamond Head, a volcanic tuff cone on the southern tip of Oahu, they said, "We want you to see the big picture here." Truly, stepping back from the morning lectures and afternoon fieldwork, I realized that what I had learned in smaller scale each day now painted one big picture. Starting out on the island of Hawaii, the youngest of the volcanic islands, where fresh lava was boiling up from the earth's mantle, the islands progressed in age as we moved to Maui and then to Oahu.

A big-picture view of geologic evolution was the culmination of a course that was totally different from any other I have ever taken. Most days, we had a morning lecture, then piled into the vans to see parts of the island that related to the information gained that morning. Some days, we went straight into the field to explore the vast array of geologic features and processes found in the Hawaiian Islands.

On three occasions, we spent the day snorkeling at a coral reef, exploring how coral grows and helps facilitate proximal beach formation. Another day, on the island of Maui, we spent the whole day hiking through Haleakala Crater, which incidentally is a misnomer—the "crater" was formed through erosional processes. My favorite field experience was on the island of Hawaii at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. After spending the day exploring previous eruptions of Kilauea, we hiked to the top of Pu'u Huluhulu, a spatter cone. As darkness enveloped the island, from this vantage point we could look across the valley towards Kilauea's Pu'u O'o vent, where lava was erupting with a reddish-orange glow. It was the most amazing thing I have ever seen.

We did get some time off from our fieldwork and studies. I personally utilized those days to surf. However, one day the surf was too rough and the beaches were closed, so a group of us went down to the Honokohau Harbor in Kona, Hawaii, the former capital of the Hawaiian empire, and rented an authentic outrigger canoe, because they can handle very well in rough surf. With our Hawaiian guide, Kalani, we set out in the huge chop; it was a blast. As Kalani navigated us across the rough waters, he recounted historical facts of the surrounding area.

Last, on the island of Maui as we neared the conclusion of the class, the professors arranged for us to attend an authentic Hawaiian luau dinner. The food was excellent, and the Hawaiian performers were fascinating to watch. This trip was the best experience of my life.