USGS HVO Press Release — Mauna Loa: How Well Do You Know the Volcano in Your Backyard?

Frank Trusdell, a U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist who has studied Mauna Loa for two decades, will present this talk about the largest volcano on Earth. The program will be held at the park’s Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Park entrance fees apply.

Mauna Loa, one of Hawai‘i's most active volcanoes, has erupted 33 times since 1843. Its most recent eruption began on Mar. 25, 1984. During that 23-day-long eruption, Mauna Loa sent lava flows to within four miles of Hilo city limits.

Earlier eruptions on the volcano impacted West Hawai‘i. In 1950, lava flows from Mauna Loa’s southwest rift zone crossed Highway 11 in three places on the Māmalahoa highway. The first flow, which erupted from a fissure at an elevation of almost 10,000 feet, flowed from the vent to the ocean in less than three hours.

During Mauna Loa’s 1859 eruption, lava flows traveled from vents high on the northwest flank of the volcano and entered the ocean near Kīholo Bay, a distance of over 50 km (31 miles), in eight days.

Because Mauna Loa has now slumbered for more than 25 years, new residents may not be aware that Mauna Loa is an active volcano, and long-time residents may have forgotten the full potential of earthquake, volcano, and gas hazards posed by the volcano. When Mauna Loa erupts, it is capable of disrupting lives and commerce throughout Hawai‘i Island.

According to Trusdell, Mauna Loa will erupt again, and there’s a good chance that it will be during your lifetime.

"HVO closely monitors Mauna Loa, and will notify the public of any changes in its currently quiet status," Trusdell said. "But it’s important for island residents to be aware of the volcano’s potential activity now so
that they are prepared for its next eruption."

Trusdell's talk is one of many programs offered by HVO in January, Hawai‘i Island's third annual Volcano Awareness Month. For more information about this presentation, please call 808-985-6011. Additional Volcano Awareness Month events are posted on HVO’s website at http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

Daily updates about ongoing eruptions, recent images and videos of summit and East Rift Zone volcanic activity, maps, and data about recent earthquakes in Hawaii are posted on the HVO website at https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo. 

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