Mauna Loa: World’s Largest Active Volcano Threatens Hawaii

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The Earth’s tectonic plates grind together, up the mantle (solid rock that acts like a liquid), while molten rock pushes through. Build up that engages the surrounding area in earthquakes, it was 1984 since the world’s largest active volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island was in the state of eruption. Half the island at the height of 13,677 feet above sea level, at 75 miles long and 64 miles wide, pressure from magma (molten rock) instigates earthquakes, that are the result of releasing that pressure. As of November 27th, located within the “Ring of Fire”, west of the U.S. and lining up with the Pacific Ocean’s tectonic plate borders, leaves a perimeter of volcanic structures that make up the world's largest quantity and majority of volcanoes, at 74 percent. 

Nearby, a smaller and younger volcano Kilauea, erupts creating “vog”(volcanic fog), a reminder of an incoming doom or a bluff. With the potential to affect temperatures globally, their presence builds new coastlines, while sending large amounts of water into the atmosphere, causing temporary cooling globally, and activates tsunamis. Malignant volcanic eruptions are fickle and in discretion in prediction depending on the volcano; since earthquakes and punctures do not mean imminent danger from them.

The United States Geological Survey or USGS, notices a potential threat to Hawaii’s major highway, at 1.75 miles from Daniel K. Inouye Highway. With over 200,000 residents on Hawaii’s larger island, carnage and large loss of life is possible if eruption grows and seeps into these communities, yet locals of that island refuse to build lives elsewhere despite its active presence. Dangers besides the obvious exposure to lava, like jagged edged ash that can damage lungs with a disease called silicosis, and crop destruction. Infrastructure and economic balance is damaged, as pyroclastic flows or landslides of volcanic material maul through wherever it seeks passage. 

“Lava junkies” flock like moths to the glow of these viewing sites during these occasions. Currently, the threat is minimal but as mentioned before, prediction systems aren’t the full proof we need to really decide on the level of harm that comes about or the trickling effects of other disasters that follow. For now the Mauna Loa remains a vision of mighty beauty, and sacrality, for Hawaiian natives, who come to revere their goddess of fire “Pele” and practice their spirituality. The threat, although stable and far enough for comfort, lurks as Hawaiians and the world keeps an fascinating eye in its wake.