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(s):
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA), Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL)
Network For the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change
(NDACC)
National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research
(NIWA)
What does this program measure?
The Bromine Oxide (BrO) monitor measures the zenith skylight between 340 and 390 nm. This instrument is also used to monitor Chlorine Dioxide (OCLO).
How does this program work?
Shown Below, the Nitrogen Dioxide and Bromine Oxide sensor covers on the Mauna Loa Sun Deck, where solar radiation is measured.
Why is this research important?
In order to carry out continuous monitoring of BrO at MLO.
Are there any trends in the data?
How does this program fit into the big picture?
What is it's role in global climate change?
Comments and References
Lead Investigator(s):
Paul V. Johnston (NIWA)
011-643-440-0429
MLO Contact(s):
Paul Fukumura
808-933-6965 (x223)
Dr. John E. Barnes
808-933-6965 (x222)
Web Site(s)
www.niwa.co.nz
gml.noaa.gov/grad/
uv.html
Date Started
July 9, 1996
Related Programs
Photographs:
