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):

IFA logo University of California - San Diego

What does this program measure?

The program collects size-segregated aerosol samples for subsequent anionic and isotopic composition measurements.

How does this program work?

The isotopic measurements will be done on bulk water soluble components of nitrate and sulfate and O, N, and S isotopes wil be evaluated.

Why is this research important?

These isotopic measurements will provide additional insights into the oxidative histories of these aerosols. Particular attention will be placed on Asian dust events identified during the sample collection periods. Nitrogen and sulfur isotopes will provide additional constraints on distinct characteristics of NOx and SOx sources that contribute to aerosol mass. Our proposed research plan relies on proven high precision isotopic techniques. In addition, 35S activities of these samples will be measured (at UC San Diego) and compared to isotopic compositions.

Are there any trends in the data?

This project is upcoming.

How does this program fit into the big picture?

What is it's role in global climate change?

This proposed research program is the only one that will measure radioactive sulfur-35 (half life ~87 days) along with stable sulfur isotopes and as such may give us unprecented insights into the age of aerosol sulfate.

Comments and References

The UCSD Stable Isotopes Laboratory has a rich history of being at the forefront of isotopic measurements in atmospheric species.

Lead Investigator(s):

Prof. Bo Reipurth
808-932-2314

MLO Contact(s):

Trevor Kaplan
808-933-6965 (x226)
Dr. John E. Barnes
808-933-6965 (x222)

Web Site(s)

not applicable

Date Started

upcoming

Related Programs

Air Quality Control
Asian Dust

Photographs:

not available