Mauna Kea tallest active volcano on the Earth from its mountain peak to its ocean deep Holly Gisness

Summary

Mauna Kea, Hawaii's tallest mountain at 13,803 feet, is a shield volcano and a premier astronomical site, housing 13 of the world's largest telescopes. Though its last eruption occurred about 4,500 years ago, scientists consider it still potentially active, with signs of seismic activity noted recently. The volcano's evolution is marked by low eruption rates and distinct geological features, indicating it's moved beyond the shield-building stage. Mauna Kea's history stretches over a million years, with significant lava flows and cinder cones shaping its impressive topography, making it a geological marvel and a vital location for research.

Takeaways

• 🏔️ Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in Hawaii, with a summit of 13,803 feet above sea level.
• 🌋 It is one of five main volcanoes that make up the island of Hawaii.
• 🔭 Mauna Kea is home to 13 of the world's largest and most powerful telescopes, making it a premier location for astronomical research.
• 📏 From its base to summit, Mauna Kea measures over 33,000 feet, taller than Mount Everest when measured from base to peak.
• 🌊 The volcano is considered active, with its last eruption occurring around 4,500 years ago.
• 🔍 There is potential for future eruptions, as scientists have observed seismic activity in recent years.
• 🏞️ Mauna Kea's geological features include a lack of a summit caldera and steeper upper flanks compared to other Hawaiian volcanoes.
• 🧪 The volcano has evolved beyond the shield-building stage, indicated by its low eruption rates and different chemical compositions of lava.
• ⏳ Eruptions during the shield stage lasted about 800,000 years, suggesting Mauna Kea is at least one million years old.
• 💡 The most recent changes observed at Lake Waiau hint at ongoing geological activity, reinforcing the mountain's dynamic nature.

Q & A

What is Mauna Kea, and why is it significant?

Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in Hawaii, with a summit elevation of 13,803 feet above sea level. It is significant as it is considered the world's premier location for astronomical research due to its clarity, stability, and darkness of the skies.

How does Mauna Kea compare to Mauna Loa?

Mauna Kea is 115 feet taller than nearby Mauna Loa and is recognized as the tallest sea mountain in the world when measured from its base on the ocean floor.

What type of volcano is Mauna Kea, and what is its current activity status?

Mauna Kea is classified as a shield volcano, and while it is considered active, its last eruption occurred approximately 4,600 years ago.

What geological features indicate that Mauna Kea has evolved beyond the shield-building stage?

Indicators include low eruption rates compared to other volcanoes, the absence of a summit caldera, irregular topography, and different chemical compositions of lava.

How old is Mauna Kea estimated to be?

Scientists estimate Mauna Kea to be at least one million years old, with eruptions during its shield stage lasting about 800,000 years.

What type of lava has predominantly formed Mauna Kea?

The volcano's main mass was built from tholeiitic basalts during its shield stage, while later eruptions produced more viscous alkali basalts.

When did the most recent eruptions of Mauna Kea occur?

The most recent eruptions occurred between 6,000 and 4,500 years ago.

What recent geological activity has been observed at Mauna Kea?

Recent seismic activity was observed between 2000 and 2013, and there have been notable changes at Lake Waiau, suggesting the potential for future eruptions.

What is the importance of Mauna Kea for astronomy?

Mauna Kea hosts 13 of the world's largest and most powerful telescopes, making it a leading site for astronomical observations due to its favorable atmospheric conditions.

What is the estimated volume of lava produced during the early eruptions of Mauna Kea?

The earliest eruptions of Mauna Kea produced about 850 cubic kilometers of lava, covering most of the volcano with basalt lava flows and cinder cones.