Recent spikes in earthquakes at the summit of Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano located in Hawaii, have raised suspicion of a possible eruption.

   With an increase in the Big Island’s population from 92,000 to 200,000 since 1980, Hawaii’s Mauna Loa has the capability to destroy an unprecedented number of homes and lives. According to CNN, the Hawaii Volcanos National Park has only closed the summit portion to guests for now, but if the seismic activity escalates, further closures will be unavoidable. 

   According to AP News, “The volcano makes up 51% of the Hawaii Island landmass, so a large portion of the island has the potential to be affected by an eruption,” Talmadge Magno, the Hawaii County Civil Defense administrator said.

   According to the United States Geographical Survey, although 36 small earthquakes were detected within the span of two days, there are still “no signs of an imminent eruption at this time.”

   Scientists have determined that the seismic activity is likely due to the new presence of magma only a few miles below the summit.

   “We expect additional shallow seismicity and other signs of unrest to precede any future eruption if one were to occur,” Kate Mulliken, geologist for the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, said, according to the United States Geographical Survey.

   The increase in volcanic activity may also impact tourist traffic as it did after its last eruption in 1984, which lasted three weeks and destroyed homes, infrastructure, and caused immense traffic congestion.

   “I went to Hawaii a few years ago and I hiked up the Diamondhead volcano,” Hannah Marsh ‘24 said. “It’s interesting to hear about the recent volcanic activity.”