As per West Hawaii Today, the USGS had reported that the volcano had been displaying “signs of unrest” since September 17, 2015, paving the way for the change in alert levels from normal to advisory.
Advertisement
Seismic stations have recorded increased levels of shallow, small-magnitude earthquakes for the past year. Inflation on Mauna Loa has also been measured by the scientists; it shows a recharge of shallow magma storage system of the volcano, as a result of which they raised the alert level to yellow, or advisory. It is also possible that the current unrest is a precursor to an eruption, as was the case prior to eruptions in 1975 and 1984. However, Neal added that at this early stage, it could not be concluded exactly which possibility have more chances of occurring.
While the volcano is showing signs of unrest, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said Thursday the change does not mean an eruption is imminent or certain.
As stated by geophysicist, Asta Miklius, from HVO, the two magma reservoirs belonging to Mauna Loa have recently seen worrying activity that “fits the definition of a volcano that is in unrest”.
“An ADVISORY/YELLOW standing is asserted when a number of volcano monitoring parameters are above the background vary of exercise, which is the present state of affairs on Mauna Loa”, USGS wrote. Scientists had moved the volcano to advisory level during 2004 to 2009 when the activity seemed abnormal, however, in 2010 the status was returned back to normal.
Further increase in activity has not been confirmed if it would pose as trouble for the NASA team now undergoing their Mars simulation program, HI-SEAS, on the slopes of Mauna Loa.
Previous studies on the volcano suggest that Mauna Loa erupts once every five years. But, in contrast to pre-1984 activity, the energy released by recent earthquakes remains comparatively low. “It doesn’t mean an eruption is imminent, but it’s a reminder to the residents of Hawaii, that Mauna Loa is still an active volcano”, said geologist Frank Trusdell.
Advertisement
HVO continues to monitor the volcano closely and will report any significant changes. To facilitate public awareness and preparedness, HVO has posted on its website “Frequently Asked Questions about Mauna Loa”.
