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),
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 It is no longer active.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:
