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)

NOAA 4 Wavelength Nephelometer

Organization(s):

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

What does this program measure?

The four-wavelength nephelometer (below) measures at 450, 550, 700, and 850 nm and has a 45 minute 1/e response time.

Old NOAA 4-Wavelength Nephalometer at Mauna Loa

How does this program work?

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

This project is no longer active.

Lead Investigator(s):

none

MLO Contact(s):

Dr. John E Barnes
808-933-6965 (x222)

Web Site(s)

not applicable

Date Started

RETIRED

Related Programs

Air Quality Control