Hawaii Caving Travelogue 2010

From the Desert of Kau and Beyond

Weird Science may seem like a slightly dismissive title for great cutting edge science. But really, the question of where to look for scores of new life forms being answered with "Kula Kai" instead of "many light years that-a-way" is both very good science and pretty weird.

Here's the background scoop from National Geographic: Lave Cave Minerals Actually Microbe Poop

And here is the star of our show, Geomicrobiologist Diana Northup:

Diana led a team of researchers and documenting photographers into a series of lava tubes at Kula Kai, on CCH land and in the system here Monday through Thursday, Feb. 22-25. We joined the effort to help with data recording, note taking and any chores deemed useful. We were able to see some exciting areas of the cave, and help move the science of "new life" along its track to more complete understanding.

Like most projects, startup day involves a lot of planning and organization. We did a walk through of proposed study areas on Monday, then spent the next three days getting down to serious work. Among the "staff" were (back row): Jim Werker, Val Werker, Emily Davis, Ann Bosted (whose injured knee kept her out of the cave), 2nd row Gary Whitby holding Kate, Larry Flemming, Dianna Northup and Ken Ingham. Jenny Whitby sits in front. The Whitby's are from the Sydney, Australia region. Larry is from Alaska. Ann is recently moved to the Big Island. Em and myself are from New York. The others are from New Mexico.

One of the secrets of caving is the ability to stay relaxed.

One of the secrets of good science is the ability to see with fresh eyes every day.

...and then measure, record and analyze.

Val documents what could well turn out to be scores of new life forms.

Emily acting as Sherpa with some of the science hardware at the end of the day.

The photo and flash team prepare to move on.

Kathlyn Richardson from Kula Kai Caverns joins Diana and notetaking Emiy in Maelstrom.

Ken covers every angle.

Diana with her SEM kit.

Ken and Diana join the Maelstrom Riders. The Maelstrom puka has been largely cleaned, but some historic debris remains in place.