Climate Connections Why scientists monitor carbon dioxide levels at a Hawaiian volcano
Nov 28, 2025
Discover the significance of the Mauna Loa Observatory, perched high on the Big Island and central to climate research. For nearly 70 years, it has provided a crucial record of rising atmospheric CO2 levels. Explore how fossil fuel combustion has propelled CO2 from under 320 ppm in the 1950s to over 420 ppm today. The observatory's altitude and remote location allow for reliable measurements, crucial for understanding human impact on our warming planet. Continuous monitoring here is vital for tracking climate change.
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Remote Volcano Monitoring Station
- Mauna Loa Observatory sits two miles above sea level on the Big Island of Hawaii and has a few low buildings monitoring the air.
- Scientists there have measured atmospheric CO2 nearly continuously for almost 70 years, creating the longest direct record in the world.
Record Shows Dramatic CO2 Rise
- CO2 measured at Mauna Loa has risen from under 320 ppm in the 1950s to over 420 ppm today.
- That long-term rise links directly to fossil fuel burning and demonstrates how humans are accumulating greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Why Continuous Measurements Matter
- Carbon dioxide traps heat like a blanket and warms the planet as concentrations increase.
- Continuous, uninterrupted measurements at Mauna Loa are critical for monitoring how people influence the climate.