ESRL Global Monitoring Laboratory - Mauna Loa Observatory

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?

UV Index Plot
It measures temperature in Fahrenheit, wind direction in degrees, wind speed in mph, humidity in %, rain in inches, solar radiation in W m-2, and UV index.

How does this program work?

Solar Radiation Plot
A Davis Advantage pro plus weather station measures continuously at MLO, and data is made available at the MLO web site to the public (via internet). Click here to view today's Web Meteorology page.

Why is this research important?

Hourly Rain Plot
This system was set up for aiding staff and visitors on the conditions at the observatory site prior to arriving at the station by using a web browser.