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)
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Organization(s):
What does this program measure? Sulfur Dioxide is measured at 4,10,23,and 40 meters above the ground, in units of parts per trillion by volume. How does this program work? A Pulsed fluorescence method using a Thermo-Environmental Inc. model 43S (shown below) is used continuously at Mauna Loa Observatory. Why is this research important? This is part of an effort to monitor long-term of emissions from Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. It may provide a precursor to the next Mauna Loa eruption. These measurements also detection large sulfur dioxide pollution events from Asia. Are there any trends in the data? No trends. Kilauea has been in continuous eruption since 1983. Mauna Loa last erupted in 1984. Since 1994; SO2 levels from Mauna Loa have been low (<500ppt, or parts per trillion). How does this program fit into the big picture? What is it's role in global climate change? The SO2 data can be used to detect periods of volcanic pollution at the observatory. This can provide a non-baseline filter for other measurements. Comments and References None. |
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