Part 1 - Download and Examine the Data

We've done most of the work for you! The Excel file listed below contains major-element analyses of erupted lavas, drill cores, volcanic glasses, and phenocrysts. Most of the data was obtained from the GEOROC database, but some of the drill core data is from Helz et al., 1994 .

Step 1 - Download the data

by clicking on this link Kilauea Iki data (Excel 105kB Oct21 04)

Step 2 - Examine the data

Before doing anything else, take a look through the Excel file you downloaded. It has three worksheets; here is a brief explanation of their contents:

• The Surface samples worksheet contains samples collected from the surface during the eruption which also had the date of eruption listed in GEOROC. This dataset includes whole-rock analyses, volcanic glasses, and selected phenocryst minerals.
• The Drill core samples worksheet contains selected samples extracted from the interior of the solidified lava lake. All of these samples were rigid enough to be drilled, but some contained small amounts of melt which was quenched to glass upon removal. Analyses of whole-rocks and olivines are reported on this worksheet; also included are late-stage differentiates which compose small pods, pipes, and veins found preferentially at certain levels in the lake. Most of the data on this worksheet were obtained from GEOROC. At present, GEOROC does not include data published in USGS Open File Reports, and thus omits R.T. Helz's extensive compilation of data from several years of drilling at Kilauea Iki [Helz et al., 1994] . To partially remedy this problem, data from this source are included from two drill holes in the middle of the lake: KI67-3 (drilled into the uppermost part of the lake in 1967) and KI81-1 (the deepest hole in the lake, drilled in 1981).
• The Composite section worksheet focuses on the two drill holes KI67-3 and KI81-1 mentioned above. This dataset is limited to samples of "matrix" rock, which excludes the late-stage differentiates. The top part of the section is covered by the earlier drill hole KI67-3, while the deeper part is covered by the later drill hole KI81-1.

Another thing we did for you: all iron oxide data have been recast as FeO in the FeOT column by applying the formula Fe2O3 * 0.8998 = FeO.