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?

High-resolution (~ 5 minute) ozone (O3) is sampled.

How does this program work?

A Thermoelectron Model 49C ozone instrument (shown below) is run continuously from Mauna Loa Observatory. (Click photo to enlarge.)

EPA Surface Ozone Analyzer at MLO

Why is this research important?

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):

Audra.Mcclure
303-497- 6823

MLO Contact(s):

Preston.Sato
808-933-6965 (x229)

Web Site(s)

http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/ozwv/surfoz/

Date Started

October 18, 2004