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)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Built in 1934, the Cape Kumukahi Lighthouse is located near the shore line on the most eastern projection of the island of Hawaii. At this location persistent north-east trade winds bring marine air to the island which generally has not been over land for many weeks. Thus, this air is representative of a large portion of the globe. A wide range of sample flasks are filled here on a weekly basis for analysis for a number of organizations around the world.
The upper picture shows the 125 ft (30m) lighthouse tower which supports air sampling lines running from the top of the tower to the base.
A number of air pumps within the white metal box continuously flush the sample lines. The area is fenced for security and there is ample power available for operation of equipment including instrumented trailers. The Pacific Ocean upwind of the site is visible on the horizon to the right. The coconut trees are planted and maintained by local Hawaiians - this site is considered sacred because the tower was completely surrounded, but not destroyed, by the lava flow of 1960. The dark lava from this flow may be seen behind the tower.
GPS INFORMATION
| Latitude: | 19.54° N |
| Longitude: | 154.82° W |
| Elevation: | 15m (50ft) |
| Time Zone: | HST (-10 GMT) |