Mauna __
LOA
Mauna Loa on the Big Island of Hawaii is the largest volcano on the planet (in terms of volume). The name “Mauna Loa” is Hawaiian for “Long Mountain”.
Mauna Loa is an active shield volcano located on the Big Island of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the five volcanoes that form the island of Hawaii. Here are some key points about Mauna Loa:
- Geography and Size:
- Mauna Loa is the largest subaerial volcano on Earth. Its summit is 13,678 feet (4,169 meters) above sea level, and it extends about 13,678 feet below the ocean surface, making its true height from base to summit over 27,000 feet (8,230 meters).
- The volcano covers an area of about 5,271 square kilometers (2,035 square miles).
- Volcanic Activity:
- Mauna Loa is considered one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. It has erupted 33 times since its first well-documented eruption in 1843.
- The eruptions are typically characterized by the effusion of basaltic lava and are known for producing extensive lava flows that can reach the sea.
- Observatories:
- Due to its significance in the study of volcanoes, Mauna Loa has several observatories on its slopes, including the Mauna Loa Observatory (MLO) for atmospheric research. The MLO is renowned for its continuous monitoring of atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
- Hazard Potential:
- While Mauna Loa’s eruptions are often characterized by relatively slow-moving lava flows, its size and potential for explosive eruptions pose a hazard to nearby communities. Efforts are made to monitor and assess the volcano’s activity to mitigate potential risks.
It’s important to note that Mauna Loa is distinct from its neighbor, Mauna Kea, another prominent volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii. Mauna Kea is known for its astronomical observatories and is the highest point in the state of Hawaii when measured from its base on the ocean floor.
