More than two years after road access and electrical power to the Mauna Loa Observatory was cut off by lava flows, NOAA staff continue to make critical measurements of the atmosphere and other environmental variables at the remote site.
In 2023, observatory staff installed solar panels at the site and resumed some measurements, including the independent carbon dioxide monitoring programs run by the Global Monitoring Laboratory and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, as well as other atmospheric measurements.
Construction of a temporary road to access the observatory site is anticipated to begin in summer 2025.
Media can contact: Theo Stein (303) 819-7409 (theo.stein@noaa.gov)
Organization(s):
What does this program measure?
The program measures solar spectral irradiance, atmospheric transmission, and aerosol optical depth. The units of measurement are relative, rsp. (a dimensionless quantity)
Solar Sensors at MLO sunset (courtesy of Forrest M. Mims III)
How does this program work?
By passive remote sensing of atmospheric transmission using the Sun as a standard light source.
Why is this research important?
Atmospheric turbidity or Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) is a crucial parameter in understanding the radiative forcing of Earth's climate and a core parameter in the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Global Atmosphere Watch monitoring program.
Are there any trends in the data?
No trends have been established yet.
How does this program fit into the big picture?
What is it's role in global climate change?
Aerosols exert a predominantly cooling effect on climate. Their optical properties in the atmospheric column are summarized by AOD.
Comments and References
Mauna Loa Observatory is a prime calibration site for WMO/GAW PFR network
Lead Investigator(s):
Christoph Wehrli
+41 (0)81 417 51 37
MLO Contact(s):
Paul Fukumura
808-933-6965 (x223)
Web Site(s)
http://www.pmodwrc.ch/pmod.php?topic=worcc
Date Started
2000
Related Programs
Solar Radiation
Air Quality Control
Photographs:
not available