October 28, 2022 — Mauna Loa Overflight, 1949 Eruption Cone

The 1949 eruption of Mauna Loa began, and remained, within the summit region. However, the 1949 eruption did generate several small lava flows that traveled a few miles south, southeast, and southwest. The 1949 eruption lasted for approximately 144 days, and generated the cone pictured here, extending from above the southwest caldera wall to the caldera floor. Brown-colored cinders, deposited during the lava fountaining, built the cone, and can be seen blanketing the region surrounding the cone. USGS image by K. Mulliken.