The world’s largest active volcano, Mauna Loa, on the Big Island of Hawaii has displayed an increase in seismic activity in recent months, prompting officials to warn residents of a potential eruption.
Mauna Loa is among the world’s most active volcanoes, having erupted 33 times since 1843, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
During the last eruption in 1984, lava flowed down its eastern flank before coming to an abrupt stop just 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) short of Hilo, the most populous town on the island.
While scientists say an eruption isn’t imminent, they remain alert due to a recent spike in earthquakes at the summit of the volcano, which makes up 51 percent of the island’s landmass, meaning it can be difficult to predict which areas might be impacted by a potential eruption….