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):

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):

Matthew Martinsen
808-933-6965 (x228)


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