Beyond the Range of Human Hearing: The Surprising Truth About Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa’s Height
As we gaze out at the majestic peaks of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island of Hawaii, we often marvel at their grandeur. But have you ever wondered how tall these behemoths of volcanic activity really are? The answer lies beyond the range of human hearing.
In 1983, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) conducted a study to accurately measure the height of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. By using a combination of radar and seismic instruments, scientists were able to detect the subtle movements of the Earth’s crust and calculate the two volcanoes’ heights with precision.
The Surprising Truth: Mauna Kea is the Tallest Mountain in the World (When Measured from its Base)
Mauna Kea, the dormant volcano, stands at a whopping 13,796 feet (4,205 meters) above sea level. But here’s the remarkable part: when measured from its base on the ocean floor, Mauna Kea’s total height is an astonishing 33,476 feet (10,203 meters). That’s more than three miles higher than Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world when measured from its base.
Mauna Loa: A Close Second
Mauna Loa, the active volcano, follows closely behind with a height of 13,680 feet (4,170 meters) above sea level. When measured from its base, Mauna Loa’s total height is approximately 26,500 feet (8,094 meters), still an impressive feat.
So, Why the Difference in Height?
So, why do Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa have such vastly different heights when measured from different points? The answer lies in their unique geological history. Mauna Kea is a shield volcano that formed over millions of years through the accumulation of lava flows. As new lava flows built up, the summit of the volcano rose higher and higher above the surrounding landscape. In contrast, Mauna Loa is a stratovolcano that has erupted more frequently, causing the volcano’s shape to change over time. As a result, Mauna Loa’s height is more variable, with its summit rising and falling with each eruption.
Why Should We Care?
You might wonder why it matters how tall these volcanoes are. The answer lies in their impact on the environment and our understanding of the Earth’s natural processes. By studying the height and shape of these volcanoes, scientists can gain valuable insights into geological processes, such as plate tectonics and volcanic activity. Additionally, measuring the height of these volcanoes helps researchers better understand the effects of climate change and sea-level rise on the island of Hawaii.
Image:
[Aerial view of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, with a caption: "Mauna Kea (left) and Mauna Loa (right) stand as two of the most impressive volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii. When measured from their base, Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world. Image credit: USGS."]
FAQs:
- Why is Mauna Kea considered the tallest mountain in the world when measured from its base?
Because Mauna Kea’s base is located deep in the ocean, and its summit rises above sea level. When measured from its base, Mauna Kea’s total height is more than three times the height of Mount Everest.
- Why is Mauna Loa considered an active volcano?
Mauna Loa is considered an active volcano because it has erupted 33 times since 1843, with its most recent eruption occurring in 1984.
- How do scientists measure the height of volcanoes?
Scientists use a combination of radar and seismic instruments to measure the height of volcanoes. Radar signals are bounced off the volcano’s surface and detected by receivers, while seismic instruments detect the subtle movements of the Earth’s crust.
- What is the importance of measuring the height of volcanoes?
Measuring the height of volcanoes helps researchers better understand geological processes, such as plate tectonics and volcanic activity. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into the effects of climate change and sea-level rise on the island of Hawaii.
- Are Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa the only volcanoes of their kind?
No, there are other volcanoes around the world that exhibit similar characteristics. However, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are unique in their sheer size and geological significance, making them a fascinating subject of study.
