The largest volcano in the world has been sleeping soundly for more than four decades that is until a week ago, Mauna Loa rose from its deep slumber and spewed lava and plumes of volcanic ash.
However, it is worth noting that the ongoing eruption does not pose threats to humans and properties, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
But this does not stop several satellites from getting a closer look at the raging volcano. Following its Nov. 27 eruption, space agencies around the world are not letting this rare event pass without capturing stunning satellite views of the Mauna Loa.
(Photo : Copernicus EU)
Copernicus captured satellites views of the Mauna Loa on Dec. 3, 2022, as it continues to erupt following its 40 years of deep slumber.
Europe Eyes the Mauna Loa
The latest satellite images of the volcano were captured by the European Union's (EU) Copernicus. The stunning photo highlights plumes of clouds surrounding Mauna Loa with a striking lava flow that looks like a fiery rift. Copernicus said in a tweet that the flow is 17km long.
Meanwhile, the USGS revealed a closer and more detailed look into the lava flow after releasing a video on Wednesday, Dec. 7.
The agency said that the lava's velocities to the vent were about 26-36 ft per second or about 18mph. The lava eventually flows slowly at the downslope at a rate of 68 ft per hour.
The volcano rises from a depth of more than 3 miles (5 km) beneath the sea's surface, which explains why it is considered the highest volcano in the world. Since 1984, Mauna has remained dormant after being active for an average of five years.
However, a fresh crack emerged in the summit caldera of Mauna Loa and started spewing huge flows of lava that tower at 150 ft (40 meters) on Nov. 27.
#MaunaLoa's fissure 3 lava channel on Dec 5, 2022. Lava velocities close to the vent were ~26-36 ft per second (8.2-11 m per second) or about 18 mph. Farther downslope, wide lava flow front advances slowly at rate of ~68 ft per hour (21 m per hr) as of Dec 6. Video by L. Gallant. pic.twitter.com/cpriLxylls
— USGS Volcanoes🌋 (@USGSVolcanoes) December 6, 2022
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Current Lava Flow
The USGS reported Mauna Loa has been releasing between 133,000 and 200,000 tons (120,000 and 180,000 metric tonnes) of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere every day after the first eruption.
The lava flow has moved over the past 24 hours at an average speed of around 20 feet per hour (6 meters per hour). While the rate of movement has decreased over the past few days, the lava flow is still active and receiving supply continuously from the fissure 3 vent.
"Advance rates may be highly variable over the coming days and weeks. On the flat ground between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, lava flows advance more slowly, spread out, and inflate. Individual lobes may advance quickly and then stall. Additional breakouts may occur if lava channels get blocked upslope," USGS said in an update.
The agency added that these flow advances are anticipated to alter over time, making it more challenging to estimate the flow given that it involves a lot of variables in terms of direction and timing.
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