(GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / INQUIRER file photo)
MANILA, Philippines — Taal Volcano on Thursday spewed a record-high volume of sulfur dioxide for the year, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
“A total of 9,762 tonnes/day of volcanic sulfur dioxide or SO2 gas emission from the Taal Main Crater was measured today, 12 October 2023. This is the highest recorded SO2 emission from Taal for the year,” Phivolcs said.
Meanwhile, Phivolcs said that no volcanic smog or vog was seen over the Taal caldera, but should the volcano continue generating a high amount of sulfur dioxide gas, and wind speeds decrease, chances for vog to occur will increase.
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“No volcanic smog or vog over Taal Caldera was observed by visual monitors throughout the day. However, PAGASA forecasts wind speeds over the Taal region to significantly decrease in the coming weekend, and should elevated SO2 degassing continue, the chances for volcanic SO2 to accumulate and generate vog would increase,” the advisory added.
Taal Volcano is still under Alert Level 1, which means it is in an abnormal condition. There are expected increases in volcanic earthquakes as well as steam or gas activity.