Weathering and Soil

The Molokini crater is a sunken volcanic cindercone, that is off the southern shores of Maui.  Through time this volcano has become an erosional landform.  Different types of physical weathering processes such as thermal expansion / contractional cooling and salt weathering from the ocean has caused this volcano to break down and decay.  The oceans currents and wind eventually remove the weathered and eroded surface material, crating the giant crater.

Molokini crater is a very popular snorkeling destination, and I highly recommend this activity to anyone visiting the Maui. 

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The IAO needle ( pronounced "EE-ow ) is a natural rock formation that is an old basaltic core, which is the remaining of a volcano.  The IAO needle is covered in lush green vegetation, and this vegetation forms pressure roots in the joints of the the rock which are also considered  fractures on this land form.  Eventually the pressure of the roots will cause biological weathering  and a slow decomposition of the IAO needle.

My wife Ely standing on the western shores of Maui, on the beach of Kapalua.  The rock formation behind my wife is basalt from lava flow. The joints on the rock were caused by thermal expansion / contractional cooling.  There is also cavernous weathering in the rock as well called Tafoni, which gives the rock a honey comb like formation.

This rock formation on Kapalua beach shows a type of physical weathering called basal weathering.  The rock is decaying around the base giving it a mushroom shape.  Salt weathering is also playing a role in the decomposition of this rock, because of the salts that are in the ocean get into the joints and cause it to decay as well.

                                                  

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Maui's soil is very fertile and is perfect for growing sugar cane.  Maui is a tropical region and laterization occurs within its soil producing oxisol soil, which occurs in areas with high temperatures and percipitation.  The lava that once covered the ground was rich in minerals such as iron, it has gone through oxidization since and that is what gives it that rustic color.