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
The primary sampling and data collection site is located on the northern slope of the Mauna Loa volcano. The observatory was constructed in 1956 and has been continuously in operation since. The site provide access to clean air up to the stratosphere during the night, when down slope conditions exist.
GPS Information
| Latitude: | 19.54° N |
| Longitude: | 155.58° W |
| Elevation: | 3397m (11,140ft) |
| Time Zone: | HST (-10 GMT) |
Temperature
| Day | Night | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Temperature: | 9°C (48°F) | 5°C (41°F) |
| Average Min Temperature: | 4°C (39°F) | 3°C (37°F) |
| Average Max Temperature: | 12°C (54°F) | 7°C (45°F) |
Other Information
| Average Precipitation: | 1.5"/month |
| Average Station Pressure: | 680 mbs. |
| Overall Winds: | Mostly East and North-east Trades |
| Local Flows: | Day-upslope; Night-downslope |
| Average | Wind Speed: 5 m/sec (11mph) |
| Max Average Wind Speed: | 20m/sec (45mph) |