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):
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL)
What does this program measure?
The four-wavelength nephelometer (below) measures at 450, 550, 700, and 850 nm and has a 45 minute 1/e response time.
How does this program work?
Why is this research important?
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
This project is no longer active.
Lead Investigator(s):
none
MLO Contact(s):
Dr. John E Barnes
808-933-6965 (x222)
Web Site(s)
not applicable
Date Started
RETIRED