Measurements at the Mauna Loa Observatory stopped after the 2022 eruption of the Mauna Loa volcano, when lava flow crossed the access road and took out power lines to the facility. The observatory remains inaccessible by vehicle and without power from the local utility company.
Observatory staff has established limited solar power in four observatory buildings and restored approximately 33 percent of the measurements onsite, including the Global Monitoring Laboratory and Scripps critical CO2 records and other atmospheric measurements.
Media can contact: Theo Stein (303) 819-7409 (theo.stein@noaa.gov) or Karin Vergoth 303-632-6413 (karin.vergoth@noaa.gov)
Organization
The Mauna Loa Observatory (MLO) is an atmospheric baseline station of the Global Monitoring Laboratory (GML), of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The mission of ESRL is to measure atmospheric constituents that are capable of forcing change in the climate of the earth and those that may deplete the ozone layer. ESRL accomplishes this goal primarily through long-term tropospheric measurements of key atmospheric parameters such as carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), ozone (O3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), radon, aerosols, optical depth, and a spectrum of solar radiation parameters.
Location
MLO is located on the north flank of Mauna Loa Volcano, on the Big Island of Hawaii. Due to its remote location in the Pacific Ocean, high altitude (3397 meters, or 11,135 feet above sea level), and great distance from major pollution sources, MLO is a prime spot for sampling the Earth's background air in the well mixed free troposphere. The observatory protrudes through the strong marine temperature inversion layer present in the region, which separates the more polluted lower portions of the atmosphere from the much cleaner free troposphere. More on MLO Site Location...
Prominence
MLO began continuously monitoring and collecting data related to climate change, atmospheric composition, and air quality in the 1950's. Today, the observatory is best known for its measurements of rising anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations in the atmosphere. This trend is sometimes referred to as the "Keeling Curve". MLO is also known for its measurements of ozone, chemicals that destroy ozone (such as CFCs and HCFCs), solar radiation, and both tropospheric and stratospheric aerosols. Data from MLO is also used to calibrate and verify data from satellites and stations around the world. More on MLO Programs...
Affiliations
The Observatory at Mauna Loa has been a model for several recently instituted atmospheric research stations. In its 50 years of operation, MLO has supported hundreds of cooperative research programs with national and international universities, government organizations, and foreign agencies. Hundreds of papers have been published based on data collected at MLO. More on MLO Programs...
Mauna Loa Observatory is also affiliated with the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii (RCUH), School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR). Several MLO employees work for JIMAR.
MLO is also a primary observing site for the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC). The NDACC is a set of high-quality remote-sounding research stations for observing and understanding the physical and chemical state of the stratosphere. Ozone and key ozone-related chemical compounds and parameters are targeted for measurement. The NDACC is a major component of the international upper atmosphere research effort and has been endorsed by national and international scientific agencies, including the International Ozone Commission, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Historical Publications
Site Location Information
Mauna Loa Observatory (MLO) activities occur at several locations around the Big Island of Hawaii.
- The primary observation site is located at an elevation of 11,141 ft on northern slope of Mauna Loa. This facility is generally refered to as Mauna Loa Observatory, or the MLO Site.
- Behind the scenes, the administration and data processing for MLO occurs at the Hilo Office.
- Kulani Mauka Site is a rain collection site (see National Weather Service programs).
- The Cape Kumukahi Site is a flask sample site located on the eastern most point of Hawaii, used in several programs.
- The Natiaonal Weather Service Hilo Airport Site is where weekly ozonesonde and special water vapor balloons are prepared and launched (see ozonesonde program page).
- The Hakalau Site is a rain collection site for future programs (see EPA Mercury Precipitation program).
- Until January 2006, the MLO main office was located in the historic Federal Building in downtown Hilo
Click on the map to get more information about these sites.
