The authorities at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park have closed the route to the summit of Mauna Loa. The decision to close came as a preventive measure due to frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity observed since this summer.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), seismic activity on Mauna Loa has increased from 5 to 10 times a day since June 2022, and in July and August, it increased from 10 to 20 times a day. Over the past two weeks, there have been 40 to 50 earthquakes a day, and on September 23 and 29, there were over 100 seismic activities in a day. The Hawaii Volcano Observatory announced that volcanic activity has increased since the summer.
The USGS has indicated that while there are no direct signs of an imminent eruption at Mauna Loa, the volcano demonstrates clear restlessness. This assessment is based on heightened seismic activity and other data analyses. According to the USGS, the current unrest is primarily caused by new magma entering the ground near the summit at depths of approximately 2 to 5 miles. The agency has also warned that if Mauna Loa erupted, the event could produce a rapid and widespread flow of lava, potentially impacting communities on the island’s east and west sides.
Mauna Loa, which covers half of the island of Hawaii, is the largest active volcano on Earth. The volcano has erupted 33 times since 1843, averaging once every five years. The Hawaii Volcano Observatory stated, “We are closely monitoring Mauna Loa and will announce if the situation changes.”
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