When it comes to educating students about the natural wonders of the world, it’s crucial to engage them with fascinating facts and stories. Mauna Loa, one of the most famous volcanoes globally, is not only perfect for this purpose but also presents an excellent opportunity to teach students about earth science, volcanic activity, and Hawaiian history. This article covers essential facts about Mauna Loa that teachers can share with their students to pique their interest and spark curiosity.
History and Location
Mauna Loa, which means “Long Mountain” in Hawaiian, is one of five volcanic mountains that make up the Big Island of Hawaii. It is located in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and spans an area covering a staggering 2,035 square miles (5,271 square kilometers). The volcano is over 600,000 years old but has been continually erupting on the ocean floor for an estimated 400,000 years.
Size and Structure
The astounding size of Mauna Loa makes it one of the most interesting mountains globally. It stands at more than 13,678 feet (4,169 meters) above sea level and extends nearly 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) below the ocean surface. In terms of volume and area covered, Mauna Loa is the world’s largest active volcano. The mountain’s elongated shape is attributed to its gentle slopes and massive lava flows over time.
Volcanic Activity
Mauna Loa’s volcanic activity has played a significant role in shaping its structure and history. The mountain has erupted at regular intervals since its last major eruption in 1984. In total, there have been 33 documented eruptions since 1843 – although it’s thought that many more may have occurred before human observation and documentation began. While it’s currently not erupting, its nature as an active volcano means that future eruptions are likely.
Effects of Eruptions
Mauna Loa’s eruptions have had both positive and negative effects on the surrounding environment and communities. On one hand, lava flows have caused damage to infrastructure, farmland, and homes. On the other hand, they have also created new land and contributed to the remarkable geological landscape of the Big Island. The eruptions provide valuable scientific data for researchers studying volcanic activity and its impacts.
Monitoring Mauna Loa
Due to the potential dangers associated with living near an active volcano, Mauna Loa is continuously monitored by scientists from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) and various other organizations. Monitoring efforts include seismic monitoring stations, tiltmeters to measure ground deformation, gas emission sensors, and satellite data. These ongoing efforts help scientists detect subtle changes in volcanic activity that may indicate an impending eruption, which would enable residents to evacuate in a timely manner if necessary.
