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),
Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR)
Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Hawaii public schools, Department of Education (DOE)
What does this program measure?
The project measured condensation nuclei concentration in particles per cc.
How does this program work?
The instruments involved, a garden counter and sunphotometer, were designed by Steven Ryan and constructed by high school students and teachers in 2001. Measurements were made by six high schools around the Big Island plus downtown Hilo. These locations are indicated in the diagrams below.
Why is this research important?
VOGNET was an educational outreach program for high schools. It contributed to long term monitoring of volcanic pollution around the island. The data can be used in studies of health effects of volcanic pollution.
Are there any trends in the data?
No trends. Pollution levels vary with changes in meteorological conditions and volcanic emission rates.
How does this program fit into the big picture?
What is it's role in global climate change?
It doesn't.
Comments and References
VOGNET was a NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL) - Global Monitoring Laboratory, Mauna Loa Observatory community outreach program. It is no longer active.
Lead Investigator(s):
Steven Ryan
808-933-6965 (x235)
MLO Contact(s):
Steven Ryan
808-933-6965 (x235)
Web Site(s)
None
Date Started
Started in 1996
Continuous 2002-2005
Retired in 2005
Related Programs
Photographs:
