Inventory, Monitoring, Research Catalog
4/15/13
1. Topic
Analysis of Origins of Aeolian Debris
2. Background
The Mauna Kea summit is extremely dry and windy, and is surrounded by a diverse set of ground
surface morphologies thought to receive particulate input from local and distal sources. In addition,
the visitor traffic as well as astronomy activities are likely to import or generate some load of
anthropogenic particulates (e.g. diesel exhaust, automotive exhaust, etc.). Currently no data exists
on the deposition rates of Aeolian debris anywhere at the summit nor on the importance of the
various sources (e.g. local versus distal; inorganic versus organic; natural versus anthropogenic) that
may contribute to the surface soils in the summit region. Further, the impacts of these deposits on
the summit biological communities or on other natural features (e.g. Lake Waiau) is not at all welldefined.
3. Purpose
Conduct surveys of Aeolian particulate deposition rates around the summit, and in particularly
sensitive regions, and characterize the net rate of deposition and conduct particle analysis to
determine the relative contributions to the deposition rate from the various potential sources of
airborne particulates.
4. Research Objectives
Define the rates of deposition of airborne particulates in a diverse array of locations around the
Mauna Kea summit and conduct a source-apportionment determination of the various constituents
that are deposited.
5. Management Applications
Potential uses of Aeolian Debris research could: assist management authority in determining the
impacts of the various activities occurring in the summit region, identify areas of potential concern
regarding the deposition of airborne particulates of anthropogenic origin, and track the evolution of
debris deposition rates and debris sources as a function of visitor loading, alteration to the summit
infrastructure, and climate change.
6. Comprehensive Management Plan (and Sub-Plans) Applicability
a. Priority –to be completed
b. NRMP Source – Section 2.1-34, 4.1-29
7. Desired Outcomes
 Provide a long term record of debris deposition rates and sources and guidance documents on
the likely long term impacts of these deposition rates on natural features at the Mauna Kea
summit.
 Technical report summarizing project purpose, methods, results, etc.
Prepared by: D.Thomas

Identify management recommendations to address any existing or potential resource impacts.
Prepared by: D.Thomas