Mauna Loa

Definition

Mauna Loa is one of the largest shield volcanoes on Earth, located on the Big Island of Hawaii. This volcano is characterized by its broad, gentle slopes formed by the eruption of low-viscosity basalt lava, which allows it to cover large areas with relatively few steep sections. As an active volcano, Mauna Loa plays a crucial role in understanding volcanic activity and magma dynamics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mauna Loa covers an area of about 2,035 square miles and rises over 13,000 feet above sea level, making it the largest volcano on Earth in terms of volume.
2. The last significant eruption of Mauna Loa occurred in 1984, and while it is currently quiet, it is still considered an active volcano with the potential for future eruptions.
3. Mauna Loa's eruptions are generally non-explosive due to the low viscosity of its basaltic lava, allowing for relatively gentle lava flows.
4. The Hawaiian Islands, including Mauna Loa, are formed as a result of volcanic activity over a hotspot that has been stationary while the Pacific tectonic plate moves over it.
5. Scientists closely monitor Mauna Loa for signs of volcanic activity due to its potential impact on nearby communities and its role in advancing our understanding of volcanology.

Review Questions

• Compare and contrast Mauna Loa with stratovolcanoes in terms of their eruptive styles and shapes.
  • Mauna Loa is a shield volcano known for its broad and gentle slopes formed from low-viscosity basalt lava flows. In contrast, stratovolcanoes have steeper profiles and are characterized by more explosive eruptions due to higher viscosity lava. The eruptive style of Mauna Loa is typically non-explosive, leading to extensive lava flows that can cover large areas, whereas stratovolcanoes often produce ash clouds and pyroclastic flows during their eruptions.
• Discuss the geological processes involved in the formation of Mauna Loa as a hotspot volcano.
  • Mauna Loa was formed as a result of volcanic activity over a hotspot located beneath the Pacific tectonic plate. As the plate moves northwestward over this stationary hotspot, magma rises through the Earth's crust, leading to repeated eruptions that build up the shield volcano over time. This process creates layers of basaltic lava flows that accumulate gradually, resulting in Mauna Loa's massive size and unique shape.
• Evaluate the significance of monitoring Mauna Loa's activity for understanding volcanic hazards and predicting future eruptions.
  • Monitoring Mauna Loa is vital for understanding volcanic hazards due to its size and activity history. By studying seismic activity, gas emissions, and ground deformation, scientists can gain insights into magma movement beneath the surface and potential eruption scenarios. This information helps predict future eruptions and informs risk assessments for nearby communities, ultimately enhancing public safety and preparedness in response to possible volcanic events.

Related terms

Shield Volcano: A type of volcano built up by the flow of low-viscosity lava that results in broad, gentle slopes.

Basalt: A dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that is the primary type of lava erupted by shield volcanoes like Mauna Loa.

Hotspot: A location where molten rock from the mantle rises to create volcanoes, often leading to the formation of chains of islands, like those in Hawaii.