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):

EPA logo National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL)


What does this program measure?

High-resolution (~ 5 minute) elemental carbon (EC) is sampled.


How does this program work?

This project uses a Magee Scientific spectrum Aethalometer with continuous frequency at MLO. Read more about this instrument...


Why is this research important?

In order to accumulate a long-term record to support atmospheric mercury chemistry research.


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):

Aidan.colton
808-933-6965 (x233)


MLO Contact(s):


Darryl Kuniyuki
808-933-6965 (x236)


Web Site(s)

http://www.epa.gov/
heasdweb


Date Started

May 6, 2004


Related Programs

EPA Mercury Monitoring
EPA Mercury Precipitation
EPA Ambient Ion Monitor
EPA Dichotomous Partisol
EPA Fine Particle Sampler
EPA Sulfur Dioxoide
EPA Surface Ozone




Photographs:

aethalometer rackAethalometer rack

Aethalometer InstrumentAethalometer instrument

Aethalometer tapeAethalometer tape

Aethalometer InletAethalometer inlet