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):

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

What does this program measure?

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is measured in parts per billion (ppb).

How does this program work?

Carbon Monoxide is measured via gas chromatograph and hot mercuric oxide detection.

Carbon Monoxide Instruments	Frequency	Site
Trace Analytical RGA3 reduction gas Analyzer no. R5	Continuous	MLO
2.5-L glass flask AIRKIT pump unit	2 pair/week	Kumukahi
2.5-L glass flasks,MAKS pump unit	1 pair/week	MLO
2.5-L evacuated glass flasks	1 pair/week	MLO

Why is this research important?

Carbon Monoxide (CO) plays an important role in atmospheric chemistry.

Are there any trends in the data?

Carbon Monoxide is highly variable in the atmosphere, meaning there are periods of increase and periods of decrease.

How does this program fit into the big picture?

What is it's role in global climate change?

CO has an indirect greenhouse effect. Changes in CO affect the chemistry of the atmosphere, impacting the removal of Methane (CH₄) and other radiative gases.

The NOAA ESRL GMD Carbon Cycle-Greenhouse Gases group (CCGG) conducts research to understand the global carbon cycle and its effects on climate. At CCGG measurements are made to determine baseline levels, trends and causes of variability of several atmospheric gases (carbon dioxide, methane and carbon monoxide), that have the potential to affect global climate.

To obtain detailed understanding of the short term as well as long term variations of the greenhouse gases, CCGG makes on-site measurements at the four NOAA/ESRL/GMD baseline observatories, which are far from any pollution sources affecting the gases of interest.