The 2022 eruption of the Mauna Loa volcano cut off road access to the Mauna Loa Baseline Observatory. Construction on the temporary Mauna Loa Access road was completed on 26 March, 2026.
At this time, there is no site access for the general public to the Mauna Loa Observatory and NOAA has not yet established a public opening date. GML and scientific partners are working together to bring mission critical scientific projects back online. It is still unclear when utility infrastructure will be replaced and power re-established to the site.
We will provide another update as more information becomes available.
Media contact: Theo Stein at (303) 819-7409 or theo.stein@noaa.gov.
Organization(s):
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) / National Exposure Research Laboratories (NERL) / Human Exposure and Atmospheric Sciences Division (HEASD)
What does this program measure?
The EPA Sequential Fine Particle Sampler is a gaseous sampler that tests for metals and compounds in the air. It collects cations of Lithium, Sodium, Ammonium, Potassium, Magnesium, and Calcium and anions of Fluoride, Chloride, Nitrite, Bromide, Nitrate, Phosphate, and Sulfate.
How does this program work?
A URG automated sequential fine particle sampler (SFPS) collection system capable of collecting a minimum of seven days of gas and particulate samples without operator assistance. EPA-approved 47mm Teflon filters with unique identification numbers are stamped on the polypropylene support ring, and 242 mm multi-channel annular denuders are prepared, sampled, and analyzed in a manner consistent with EPA method IO-4. The filters are extracted in 5 ml of deionized water in a glove bag. The filter extract is introduced into a DIONEX ICS-90 ion chromatographic system for the quantification of major anions and cations. (e.g. halides).
Why is this research important?
The objective is to accumulate a long-term record of gas and fine (<2.5 µm) particulate halide chemistry to support atmospheric mercury chemistry research.
(top section of SFPS, facing Mauna Kea)
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):
Dr Matthew S. Landis
919-541-4841
MLO Contact(s):
Aidan Colton
808-933-6965 (x233)
Alan M Yoshinaga
808-933-6965
Web Site(s)
Date Started
May 29, 2003
Related Programs
EPA Aethalometer
EPA Mercury Monitoring
EPA Mercury Precipitation
EPA Ambient Ion Monitor
EPA Dichotomous Partisol
EPA Sulfur Dioxoide
EPA Surface Ozone
Photographs:
