Fire Works Studios
The science and mythology of volcanoes are explored in a new CD-ROM.
After 15 years of eruptions, Kilauea's east rift zone has spawned a new product: a detailed, colorful CD-ROM that lets anyone with a computer and attached CD drive explore the world's most active volcano. Volcano's fire comes to CD-ROM
The CD, produced by Fire Works Studios and sold around the state for $39.95, includes 14 hikes thought the Big Island's volcano backcountry.
The project took two years to complete, according to Michael Kuetemeyer, who produced the CD along with Anula Shetty.
A staff of five video artists, scientists and multimedia designers worked with local artist Dietrich Varez, a Hawaiian-language teacher, and naturalists from the Volcano National Park to produce the CD.
The product is a story of Hawaii's creation that is sensitive to cultural traditions while remaining faithful to the evolving science of vulcanology.
There are 60 video clips; animations and audio help with the pronunciation of Hawaiian words.
You can explore the volcano through eight different timelines or read an illustrated story by Varez.
Or you can take virtual hikes to explore the construction and form of volcanoes. There is even a teacher's geologic guide to help students learn about plate tectonics.
By Richard Borreca, Star-Bulletin
