• Explore Categories
    • Living Planet
    • People & Patterns
    • Natural Wonders
    • Odds & Ends
    • Behind the Map
Subscribe
Search Form
No Result
View More Search Results

What Does a Cross Section of an Active Volcano Reveal?

by Robby Deming
October 16, 2023
Natural Wonders

Since the dawn of human history, volcanoes have captured our attention. Eruptions create dramatic tableaus of ash clouds and lava flows, often with cataclysmic impacts. But even today, we still know little about the mechanics of eruptions and what triggers them.    

The 3D map below from Craig McCabe at Esri peels back the geology and topography of Mauna Loa. Spurred by the 2022 eruption, the map shows different views inside and underneath this active volcano and the big island of Hawaii.

3D diorama of Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii with recent earthquakes and ocean bathymetry. Launch Interactive Map
(Source: Esri)

The map uses a few tricks to focus attention on the geologic processes of Mauna Loa and its home island. The use of 3D with historic lava flows and topography shows how volcanoes have shaped the island. Cross-section views reveal subsurface geology. Mapping earthquakes at their detected depths underscores relationships between seismic activity and eruptions. 

Maps can take us to places or show us things we wouldn’t normally be able to see. This map does both, letting us explore one of the most seismically active places on the planet.

Map showing extent of lava flows by day following the Mauna Loa’s volcanic eruption in 2022.
Mapping lava flows by day from Mauna Loa's 2022 eruption shows how quickly and how far lava can spread during an active eruption. (Source: Esri)

More to Explore

Check out this stunning interactive map from National Park Service—Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with video and imagery from Mauna Loa’s 2022 eruption.

About This Map

Title
Mauna Loa Eruption 2022 Web Scene Diorama
Creator
Craig McCabe, Esri
Data Sources

Multiple data sources

Tags
3D Historical Volcanoes
Share This Article

Keep Exploring

A map showing the contiguous United States and the paths of solar eclipses that will happen in 2023 and 2024.

NASA Maps Solar Eclipses of 2023 and 2024

October 16, 2023
Natural Wonders
Astronomy Eclipse NASA
Map of the US showing expected annual loss from earthquakes.

Where Do Natural Hazards Cause the Highest Annual Loss in the US?

August 1, 2024
Living Planet
Animated Maps Disasters Hurricanes
Map showing fires across Earth in October 2023

Where Have Fires Occurred Most Often in Recent Years?

May 20, 2024
Living Planet
Animated Maps Historical NASA
View More Maps
Next Post
Map showing Arctic sea ice extent in August 2023

How Much Sea Ice Has Earth Lost in the Last 40 Years?

October 16, 2023 Living Planet

Maps.com
Explore Today.
Create Tomorrow.
  • About Maps.com
  • Submit a Map
  • Contact
  • Legal
  • Privacy
  • Media Use
  • Manage Cookies
  • Do Not Share My Personal Information
  • Legal
  • Privacy
  • Media Use
  • Manage Cookies
  • Do Not Share My Personal Information
  • Categories
    • Living Planet
    • People & Patterns
    • Natural Wonders
    • Odds & Ends
    • Behind the Map
  • About
  • Submit Map
  • Contact Us
Subscribe

  • Legal
  • Privacy
  • Media Use
  • Manage Cookies
  • Do Not Share My Personal Information

Add New Playlist

  • Categories
    • Living Planet
    • People & Patterns
    • Natural Wonders
    • Odds & Ends
    • Behind the Map
  • About
  • Submit Map
  • Contact Us
Subscribe

  • Legal
  • Privacy
  • Media Use
  • Manage Cookies
  • Do Not Share My Personal Information
Mauna Loa Eruption 2022 Web Scene Diorama

Thank you!

We have received your request and will send updates about Maps.com to your email:

Continue reading article

Sign Up For Updates

Skip to content