Mauna Loa Volcano In Hawaii May Erupt Soon

United States Geological Survey (USGS) scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on the Big Island have raised the alert level from normal to advisory based on signs of unrest following a prolonged period of seismic activity, according to a news release. 

There are four alert levels, with lowest starting at "normal," and then others progressing to "advisor," "watch" and then "warning," as the most severe.

While the change in alert levels does not mean there will be an eruption, scientists warn that the active volcano will erupt again at some point. However, no one an be sure when this will happen.

"It's possible that the increased level of activity at Mauna Loa could continue for many months, or years, without leading to an eruption," said Tina Neal, HVO's Scientist-in-Charge, via the North Denver News. "It is also possible that the current unrest could be a precursor to the next eruption of Mauna Loa. But at this early stage, we cannot determine precisely which possibility is more likely."

The most recent eruption invovling the volcano hasn't been since March 25, 1984, and it lasted just a bit over three weeks, according to the news organization. It was then preceeded by up to three years of increased earthquake activity. 

HVO continues to closely monitor Mauna Loa, and will notify Hawai‘i County Civil Defense, the National Park Service and other emergency managers, as well as the public, if significant changes are detected.

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