15. Mauna Loa, USA (Hawaii): The Gentle Giant of the Pacific
Translating as “Long Mountain” in Hawaiian, Mauna Loa provides evidence of the great scope and force of Earth’s volcanic activities. Covering over 2,000 square miles (5,200 square kilometres), Mauna Loa is the biggest volcano on Earth in terms of volume and size, hence dominating the terrain of Hawaii’s Big Island. Rising steadily from the ocean floor to a height of 13,681 feet (4,169 metres), this massive shield volcano is among the five volcanoes that together make up the Big Island of Hawaii. Mauna Loa is taller than Mount Everest when measured from its base on the sea floor to its summit—more than 30,000 feet (9,170 metres). Mauna Loa, despite its great height, is well-known for its quite mild slope—a trait of shield volcanoes created by very fluid basaltic lava flows. There have been times of relative quiescence as well as great activity in the eruptive history of the volcano. Mauna Loa is still an active volcano although its last eruption took place in 1984; the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory regularly watches it. The possible effects of a future eruption on the infrastructure and population of the island call for continuous attention and readiness. Mauna Loa is a priceless subject for scientific research because of its unusual geological features—its large lava fields, pit craters, and lava tubes. Coming to Mauna Loa to investigate volcanic processes, lava flow dynamics, and the creation of oceanic islands are researchers from all around the globe. NASA has even used the summit portion of the volcano—with its hostile, Mars-like surroundings—as a testing ground for equipment headed for Mars missions and as an astronaut training ground. For Native Hawaiians, who see Mauna Loa as the physical expression of deity and a vital component of their ancestral legacy, the volcano has great cultural relevance outside of its scientific value.
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