USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Turns 100

Officials with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) announce that their Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) is turning 100 this year. Throughout 2012, a number of events and manifestations will mark this momentous occasion.

The installation is located on the rim of Mount Kilauea's caldera, in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Its newest building was completed back in 1986, but construction of the first began in 1912.

From a tower at the HVO, experts can monitor Mount Kilauea's summit area, the southeast flank of Mauna Loa, and the distant summit of Mauna Kea, which are all active volcanoes. The mountains are acting like natural laboratories for Earth science researchers.

The main product that comes out of the Observatory is cutting-edge volcano science, which helps investigators around the world understand the volcanoes they are analyzing much better. This, in turn, leads to better emergency plans in case of eruptions.

HVO also has the honor of being the very first volcanic observatory in the country. Due to its strategic position, researchers working there can cover no less than six volcanoes, including two of the most active in the world (Mount Kilauea and Mauna Loa).

During the past century, Mauna Loa erupted 12 times. This is the largest volcano on the planet, and its most recent surface activity was recorded back in 1984. During the same interval, Mount Kīlauea erupted 48 times. The last summit eruption, which started in 2008, is still taking place today.

“Volcanic activity and its associated earthquakes are responsible for Hawaii's fertile soil, rainfall, isolated habitat for unique species, breathtaking natural beauty, but also, unfortunately, its geologic hazards,” comments the director of the USGS, Marcia McNutt.

“The activities planned during HVO’s Centennial are an engaging and stimulating way for residents and visitors alike to learn more about the fascinating processes that have formed and continue to shape these enormous volcanic features, and how to live safely in the vicinity of such powerful geologic forces,” she goes on to say.

Now considered common knowledge, the idea that earthquakes and volcanic tremors are closely related to volcanic activity was first developed by scientists at the Observatory. The same experts were also the one who installed the USGS' first seismic network.