Measurements at NOAA's Mauna Loa Observatory stopped following the recent eruption of the Mauna Loa volcano, when lava flow blocked staff access and took out power lines to the facility.
Under an emergency agreement, NOAA and the University of Hawaii have established a temporary measurement site at the nearby Mauna Kea volcano for the critical CO2 record and other atmospheric measurements taken at the observatory.
Media can contact: Theo Stein (303) 819-7409 (theo.stein@noaa.gov) or Karin Vergoth 303-632-6413 (karin.vergoth@noaa.gov)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL)
Sulfur Dioxide is measured at 4,10,23,and 40 meters above the ground, in units of parts per trillion by volume.
A Pulsed fluorescence method using a Thermo-Environmental Inc. model 43S (shown below) is used continuously at Mauna Loa Observatory.
This is part of an effort to monitor long-term of emissions from Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. It may provide a precursor to the next Mauna Loa eruption. These measurements also detection large sulfur dioxide pollution events from Asia.
No trends. Kilauea has been in continuous eruption since 1983. Mauna Loa last erupted in 1984. Since 1994; SO2 levels from Mauna Loa have been low (<500ppt, or parts per trillion).
The SO2 data can be used to detect periods of volcanic pollution at the observatory. This can provide a non-baseline filter for other measurements.
None.
David Nardini
808-933-6965 (x229)
David Nardini
808-933-6965 (x229)
1994
Retired