The world's largest volcano revived

Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano in the world, may be preparing to erupt again as seismic and distortion monitoring data show that small earthquakes are frequent.

According to the International Business Times, increased activity at Mauna Loa volcano on Big Island, Hawaii, was discovered in 2013 and this could be a signal for an eruption.

A spout of Mauna Loa volcano.(Photo: Flickr).

Mauna Loa volcano has not erupted since 1984. On September 15, 2015, the level of warning raised from the normal level to the next level needs further advice. Scientists at the US Geological Survey at the Hawaii Volcanic Observatory (HVO) say the change indicates signs of increased instability but does not mean the eruption is definitely approaching.

Currently, researchers cannot predict when a volcano will erupt. However, warning signs such as increased seismic activity often occur before an eruption.

"Increasing seismic activity in Mauna Loa can continue for months or years without leading to an eruption. The current unrest can also be a sign of Mauna Loa's next eruption. But in the early stages, we cannot conclude exactly which ability is higher, " said HVO scientist Tina Neal.

Lava flows from Mauna Loa volcano.(Photo: RW Decker).

Mauna Loa's biggest 100-year eruption took place in 1950 when lava spewed from a crack of 20km. The 23-day eruption with 376 cubic meters of lava. Lava flows into the sea in less than 4 hours. Although there was no loss of life, the eruption still completely destroyed Hoʻokena-mauka village.

The current earthquake areas are concentrated in the highest part of the fracture zone in the southwest and the southern tip of Mauna Loa. If an eruption takes place, it will affect the communities living on the mountain slope.