712 
GEOLOGY: COMMITTEE REPORT 
Proc. N. a. S. 
and observations on all active phases of Hawaiian volcanism, and not for 
Kilauea alone. 
The work at Kilauea involves on the one hand the observation and 
record of phenomena and on the other certain investigations by the 
observatory staff or by specialists whose assistance it is practicable to 
secure. The researches as to gases associated with the magma at erup- 
tion and the development of heat through chemical reactions occurring 
under decrease of pressure and other conditions of approach to the sur- 
face are of greatest importance. The results of cooperation in these 
studies with investigators from the Geophysical Laboratory of the Car- 
negie Institution of Washington, already secured, illustrate the desira- 
bility of continuing such collaboration and promoting similar work in 
other lines. We understand this to be the commendable policy of the 
Director of the Observatory. 
It is known that there have been marked differences in the chemical 
composition of the lavas erupted at various times in several of the Hawaiian 
volcanoes. It is very desirable to know the chemical composition of the 
magma exhibiting the observed characteristics of eruption and to note 
the relation of this composition to a great variety of textural and mineral 
features of the rocks developed on consolidation of the lava. It will be 
fortunate if the assistance of specialists capable of conducting such re- 
searches can be secured by cooperation or otherwise. 
Mauna Loa, the giant volcano adjacent to Kilauea, presents many 
important problems for investigation, both individual and in relation 
to Kilauea. It represents a different stage in the development of a 
basaltic volcano. Its eruptions are on a larger scale than those of Kilauea 
and under somewhat different conditions. It is desirable to compare 
its phenomena with those of Kilauea, and to determine the genetic and 
existing connections of these two neighboring vents of similar magmas. 
The difficulties of access to the summit crater of Mauna Loa and to 
the main rift or fault zones on which modern eruptions are most frequent 
make the investigations highly difficult or impossible at this time. The 
Committee recommends that special attention be given to the develop- 
ment of trails, the establishment of shelters and camps, and the provision 
of proper equipment, which will facilitate access to the most important 
points for observation. It is desirable to establish a systematic investi- 
gation of Mauna Loa as soon as possible. It will be impracticable, natu- 
rally, to subject this enormous volcano to such constant observation as 
is feasible at the comparatively diminutive Kilauea, but adequate prepara- 
tion will permit the securing of very important supplementary or con- 
firmatory data from study of the short-lived but often extensive eruptions 
of Mauna Loa. 
It is to be hoped that this work may be promoted through cooperation 
of the National Parks Bureau, the Hawaiian Volcano Research Associa- 
tion and other agencies interested in the study of Mauna Loa. 
