Solomon Islands: The Hidden Volcano of Savo EarthCache
Hidden : 7/19/2016
Difficulty:
3.5 out of 5
Terrain:
5 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

--- A Pihoqahiak original cache ---

The purpose of this Earthcache is to take you to the crater of an active volcano and give you a better understanding of the volcanic activity of Savo. This adventure will take you through rivers, canyons, waterfalls and rainforests, right to the crater of a little-known volcano. Although you should not expect to find yourself on the edge of a fiery lavapit, you will not be disappointed once you reach the final location. Are you ready to take the challenge?



Important notes before attempting this cache:
- This EarthCache requires some preparation: you will need to arrange transportation to/from Savo Island and you will need to hire a guide. Please note that there are some expenses involved in this (more details below)
- This EarthCache requires you to do a significant hike. Although it is not necessarily very long (about 6km return trip), the terrain is quite challenging. The hike will take about 3 hours, depending on the weather conditions, season and your personal fitness. Do not try to do this EarthCache when you don't have at least an average fitness and only when you feel comfortable hiking in warm and humid conditions. I do not recommend to do this cache with young children, as some parts of the trail can be considered dangerous.
- I would recommend to bring at least good hiking shoes, enough water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and of course your GPS receiver. Since the reception may be bad during some parts of the hike, you may find it useful to print this cache description before you leave.

The Solomon Islands


Solomon Islands is an island nation located in the South Pacific, consisting of approximately 1000 islands. In 1568, the Spanish navigator Álvaro de Mendaña was the first European to visit the Solomon Islands archipelago, naming it 'Islas Salomón' after the wealthy biblical King Solomon. It is said that they were given this name in the mistaken assumption that they contained great riches.

Although the Solomons are not rich in valuable gemstones, the soil is very rich in nutrients because of the fertile volcanic ash that makes up most of the islands. Due to it's position between the Australian Tectonic Plate and the Pacific Tectonic Plate, the Solomon Islands contain many volcanoes, both active and dormant. Because of this, the country has had its fair share of earthquakes and volcano eruptions in the past, but also in present days. Mount Tinakula in the Temotu Province had its last big eruption in 2008, but still continues to erupt ash and rocks every hour.

Savo Island


Savo is one of the active volcanoes in the Solomon Islands, located in the Central Province just 14km north of Guadalcanal. The island measures 6 x 7 km and consists of a forested andesitic-to-dacitic stratovolcano with a shallow, elliptical 1 x 1.5 km wide summit crater and its highest point being at 485m above sealevel. Pyroclastic flows and mudflows that traveled down valleys from the summit crater form large debris fans along the coast. Nowadays, the flanks are covered in dense rainforests and palm trees. The crater itself consists of areas of steaming ground, fumaroles, small geysers, and hot springs, many of high pH and sulphate-rich. In active volcanic zones water may be heated by coming into contact with magma. The high temperature gradient near magma may cause water to be heated enough that it boils. If the water becomes so hot that it builds steam pressure and erupts in a jet above the surface of the Earth, it is called a geyser. If the water only reaches the surface in the form of steam, it is called a fumarole. If the water is mixed with mud and clay, it is called a mud pot. Precipitates around hot springs include sinter, travertine and mixed silica-carbonate, often enriched in gold and tellur.


The location of Savo Island between the Pacific Plate and Australian Plate

The volcano is believed to erupt every 100 to 300 years, with its last eruption being between 1835 and 1850. Due to its proximity to the capital Honiara and its frequent explosive eruptions, Savo is probably the most dangerous volcano of the Solomon Islands.

The EarthCache


Before taking on this EarthCache, you will need to make some arrangements in advance. You can either choose between booking a day trip to Savo Island or to stay overnight in one of the accomodations available. The easiest way to book these is through the SI Visitors Bureau in Honiara (Mendana Ave; www.visitsolomons.com.sb).

If you consider spending more than one day on Savo, I can recommend you to stay at the Sunset Lodge. All accomodations on Savo offer several tours/excursions with a guide. Ask the guide to take you on the Big Volcano hike, this is the hike as described in this cache. This hike will take about 3 hours and includes a short boat trip to the other side of Savo (and back ;) ). There is a Small Volcano hike as well, which will take about half an hour. Please note that this is a different hike and it will NOT take you to the EarthCache location.

Expect to pay around SBD 150 per person per night for the accomodation, SBD 400 for the transport between Honiara and Savo (return fare) and SBD 50 per person for the excursion + SBD 50 for the guide (price for the guide is per group and is not depending on the number of people in your group).

For more information on how to get to Savo and the latest fares, you best contact/visit the SI Visitors Bureau. The staff is friendly and helpful and they do not charge you for bookings or information.

Please note that prices are subject to change and are only stated here as an indication. At the time of writing, 100 SBD (Solomon Islands Dollar) = app. 13 USD/17 AUD/11 EUR.

The hike itself takes about 3 hours return, depending on the weather conditions and your personal fitness. During the dry season, the riverbed will be mostly dry and the hike will be easier than during the raining season, when you have to wade through the river (maximum 30cm deep). Bring good shoes, enough water and sun protection, but don't overpack yourself. It is always wise to check with your guide in advance on what to bring.

How to log this EarthCache


The route to the EarthCache can be divided into three stages: the River, the Canyon and the Wasteland. In order to succesfully log this EarthCache, you have to send me the answers to the questions below. At some points during the hike, you will have to perform a task as well. You do not need to send me the answers/results of these tasks, they'll just help you to answer the questions later on.

Stage 1: The River

S 09° 09.406 E 159° 48.036
The hike starts on the beach where you arrive by boat. From here, you'll start following the riverbed upstream.

TASK 1: Feel the temperature of the water in the river and make an estimation of the temperature. If there is no water in the riverbed at this point, make an estimation for the temperature of the sea water.

Stage 2: The Canyon

S 09° 08.848 E 159° 48.442
From here the wide riverbed narrows and the canyon begins. During this stage, you might experience some trouble with your GPS reception due to canyon walls and dense folliage. However, this does not form a problem to complete this cache.

TASK 2: Feel the temperature of the water in the river and make an estimation of the temperature. Do you notice any difference already compared to your previous estimation?

S 09° 08.468 E 159° 48.552
From here you will leave the main river (which is still a stream at this point) and follow a smaller stream to the volcano.

TASK 3: Feel the temperature of the water in the smaller stream you'll be following from here on and make an estimation of the temperature. Notice the difference with your previous estimations.

S 09° 08.446 E 159° 48.596
Here you will find a small waterfall you'll have to climb. (If your GPS reception is bad at this point: it is the waterfall next to the first wooden ladder).

QUESTION 1: What is the height of the waterfall? Measure or estimate to get your answer.

Stage 3: The Wasteland

S 09° 08.391 E 159° 48.723
This is the beginning of the third and final stage. You are almost there! From this point, your GPS reception should be alright again.

QUESTION 2: By now, you will have noticed the difference in water temperature along the route. At this point, you don't need to feel the water anymore to estimate its temperature. What can you conclude about the source of the water, based on your task results?

QUESTION 3: Have a good look at the rocks at this point. What do you notice? What do you think this is caused by?

S 09° 08.378 E 159° 48.774
You made it to the crater of the volcano! This is the end of the hike. After you enjoyed the scenery and have some rest, you'll take the same trail back to the beach where you started. You'll also have the chance to go over your previous answers once again as you come past the earlier waypoints.

QUESTION 4: What geological feature can you find at the final coordinates? Describe how these features are formed.

Send me the answers to these questions through my GC profile. You do not need to wait for my log permission. I will contact you if there are any issues with your answers/log. Please feel free to share your adventure in your log, pictures will be appreciated as well. However, do not include any answers in your log and please do not post any pictures that may include spoilers.


(Credits: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savo_Island; http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1978/apr/27/solomon-islands-bill-hl; http://volcano.si.edu/; https://www.sciencedaily.com)
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Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Dhrfgvba 4: gur trbybtvpny srngher vf abg n ibypnab. Gung jbhyq unir orra gbb rnfl, jbhyqa'g vg?

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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