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U.S. Geological Survey - Hawaiian Volcano Observatory

Mauna Loa - Hazards - History


Current Activity

Current Deformation Data

Long-term activity summary


Electronic Tiltmeter Data

We maintain several continuously recording electronic tiltmeters on Mauna Loa, including the MOK station located on the northwest side of Moku`aweoweo caldera (see map, left).

The graph below shows two components of tilt recorded at MOK over the last month. Positive changes on the plot indicate tilting of the ground at the tiltmeter site toward the north (top plot) and east (bottom plot). The tiltmeter is located northwest of the summit magma chamber, so tilt toward the northwest would indicate inflation of the chamber. Note, however, that electronic tiltmeters are subject to daily temperature fluctuations and electronic drift of the instrument.

For more information on how electronic tiltmeters help monitor the deformation of Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanoes, see a summary of the inflation-deflation of summit magma chambers.

 

Global Positioning System (GPS) Data

We maintain several continuously recording global positioning system (GPS) stations on Mauna Loa, including the MOKP, MLSP, and ELEP stations shown on the map at left.

Plotted below is the change in distance between the stations located on opposite sides of Moku`aweoweo caldera (MOKP and MLSP). An increase in the distance between these two stations would be interpreted as inflation of the summit magma chamber.

For more information on how GPS systems help monitor the deformation of Mauna Loa and Kilauea volcanoes, see a summary of the inflation-deflation of summit magma chambers.


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The URL of this page is http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/maunaloa/current/main_txt.html
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Updated : 2 April 2003 (pnf)