OPIHI VOLCANO

The Hawaiian Islands are the tips of a chain of volcanoes that rise from the ocean floor, 20,000 feet below sea level. The newest, and second tallest, Mauna Loa on the island of Hawaii (aka Big Island) is still active. Lava flowing from vents on its flank is building cinder cones and is pouring into the ocean, forming new land off the south-east coast of the island. An underwater seamount, Loihi, is the newest member of this chain of volcanoes, and is pushing toward the surface. All of the Hawaiian volcanoes are shield type volcanoes, which engage in gentle lava fountaining, which can be breathtaking to behold. The Opihi Volcano is a model of an erupting volcano. The volcano itself is a part of Hawaii. It is a conical limpet shell (Cellana exarata), opihi in Hawaiian, found throughout the State of Hawaii. The opihi is eaten in Hawaii; no luau, or Hawaiian feast, is complete without this delicacy. Using household supplies and the Opihi Volcano Kit, construct a Hawaiian volcano, and observe an eruption. Supplies Opihi shell Plastic pipette Modeling clay Red food coloring Plastic cup Toothpick Vinegar Baking soda Procedure Caution: Use gloves and goggles during the experiment. If vinegar or baking soda gets on your skin or clothing wash it with soap and water immediately. Perform the Opihi Volcano activity on a tray to protect your tabletop. 1. Form a ring of modeling clay about 1cm thick that will encircle the top of the plastic cup. 2. Add 2 level tabel spoons of baking soda to the plastic cup. 3. Add 10 drops of red food coloring to the baking soda. 4. Attach the opihi shell to the clay collar on the plastic cup. 5. Using a toothpick, make a hole through the clay collar. 6. Fill the plastic pipette with vinegar. 7. Insert the pipette stem into the hole in the clay collar. Seal the clay around the pipette stem. 8. Squeeze the pipette bulb to squirt the vinegar into the cup of baking soda and red food coloring. Cleanup: All materials are environmentally safe and may be flushed down the drain. Rinse the Opihi Volcano with tap water in a sink. Wash your hands. Questions 1. What caused the Opihi Volcano to erupt? 2. What acid is present in vinegar? 3. What is baking soda made of? 4. What gas is present in the bubbles? Extensions Real volcanic eruptions involve gases. Gases, dissolved in molten magma under high pressures underground, expand and provide part of the force that causes high fountaining or explosive eruptions. An examination of most lava samples reveals a highly porous structure, due to these dissolved gases. Conduct research to discover the identity of these gases. An alternative volcanic eruption can be produced by filling the plastic pipette with a colored fluid, using the clay to secure its tip to the opening at the tip of the opihi shell, and pushing the "lava" out of the summit crater. More Questions What are these volcanic gases? What chemicals or elements make up lava? What are the two classes of lava, based on their gross textures? Who is the fire goddess in Hawaiian culture? Where exactly is the fire goddess's home? How is the opihi prepared at luaus? What is the name of the highest mountain (from base to peak) in the world? What form of useful energy is harvested from volcanic sites? What is the Pacific Rim of Fire? What is a tectonic plate? What is the relationship between tectonic plates and volcanism? Volcanoes are named after which mythological god? Why is Kapoho sinking? Why were the Warm Springs warm? Why is Green Lake now ecologically dead? What is the Hawaiian name of the moray eel?