Mauna Loa has erupted 34 times since its first well-documented eruption in 1843, with the most recent significant activity in 2022. It is part of the Hawaiian hotspot chain. Because its lava is low in silica, it flows easily for long distances rather than exploding violently. This creates the broad, shield-like profile of the mountain. It is home to the Mauna Loa Observatory, which is famous for monitoring atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Despite its massive size, its eruptions are generally non-explosive, though they can pose a threat to infrastructure through slow-moving lava flows.