ESRL Global Monitoring Laboratory - Mauna Loa Observatory

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 US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) / National Exposure Research Laboratories (NERL) / Human Exposure and Atmospheric Sciences Division (HEASD)

What does this program measure?

How does this program work?

EPA-approved 47 mm Teflon filters with unique identification numbers stamped on the polypropylene support ring and Teflon filters are weighed, handled, and deployed in accordance with the EPA PM 2.5 Chemical Speciation Network. This project involves a Rupprecht & Patashnik (R&P) Dichotomous Partisol-Plus Model 2025 automated sequential dichotomous sampler collection system, that is capable of collecting a minimum of seven days of particulate samples without operator assistance. Sampling only occurs, however, during down slope wind conditions at MLO.

Why is this research important?

The objectives are to accumulate a long-term record of fine (<2.5 µm) and coarse (2.5 – 10 µm) particulate chemistry to support receptor-modeling analysis of source-receptor relationships for mercury.