(BIVN) – Scientists and safety officials gathered in the UH-Hilo University Classroom Building on Saturday to “talk story” about Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano.

Mauna Loa Volcano is not erupting, and there is no telling exactly when it will erupt again. The massive volcano has erupted 33 times since its first well-documented historical eruption in 1843. Its most recent eruption was in 1984. Rates of deformation and seismicity remain above long-term background levels which means Mauna Loa is experiencing a period of unrest. The alert level for the volcano is at YELLOW ADVISORY, a level bellow the erupting Kilauea volcano, which is at ORANGE WATCH.

Staff from the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and University of Hawaiʻi were on hand to engage the public, alongside informational displays.

In the video above, Frank Trusdell, HVO’s current Mauna Loa Project geologist, explains how the lava flows that one day may erupt from Mauna Loa are likely to travel much faster than the June 27 lava flow from the East Rift Zone of Kilauea that threatened Pahoa. He also explained how the exact location of the lava eruption – such as the rift zone and elevation – will dictate the direction the flows head in.

There will be two more opportunities for Hawaii Island to take part in a “talk story about Mauna Loa”:

• Wed., Jan. 17: Ocean View Community Center
  (6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
  92-8924 Leilani Circle, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates
• Sat., Jan. 27: Konawaena Elementary School
  12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  81-901 Onouli Road, Kealakekua