Mauna Loa is the largest volcano on our planet—the summit elevation is 4,170 m (over 13,600 ft), but the volcano’s summit rises 9 km above the sea floor. The sharp features of the summit caldera and lava flows that drain outward from the summit are tribute to the fact that Mauna Loa is one of the Earth’s most active volcanoes. The most recent eruption was in 1984. The straight line the cuts through the center of the crater from top to bottom is a rift zone—an area that pulls apart as magma reaches the surface.
Published Jul 28, 2002
As the highest volcano on the island of Hawaii, it is an ideal location for astronomical observatories.
Published Nov 30, 2015
A detailed astronaut photograph shows pyroclastic deposits on Hawaii’s Muana Kea Volcano.
Published May 18, 2009
Multiple snowstorms in December left the island’s highest peaks blanketed in white.
Published Dec 29, 2016
A small plume of ash and/or steam is blowing west from the summit of Mayon Volcano in this image from December 15, 2009.
Published Dec 17, 2009
The Island of Hawaii is a vast canvas of environments from desert shores to rain forests to frozen mountain heights.
Published Jan 29, 2014
Llaima Volcano had temporarily quieted when the Advanced Land Imager passed overhead on April 16, 2009.
Published Apr 23, 2009
Ancient trails, aquaculture ponds, and quaint villages stand alongside old lava flows.
Published Feb 24, 2019
Evidence of four types of volcanic activity at Mexico’s Colima Volcano.
Published Jan 25, 2011
