Taal logs highest amount of sulfur dioxide emission this year

MANILA, Philippines — Taal Volcano was recorded on Maundy Thursday to have the highest amount of sulfur dioxide emission this year, according to state volcanologists.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said in its 4:30 p.m. report that 18,638 metric tons per day of volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas emission were recorded from the volcano’s main crater, making it “the highest flux recorded this year.”

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It was much higher than the measured average of approximately 10,331 metric tons a day for this year.

Despite the spike, no volcanic smog was reported due to the volcano’s activity.

“Moderate winds have prevented the accumulation of SO2, and no volcanic smog or vog over Taal Caldera could be observed by visual monitors throughout the day,” Phivolcs said in a statement.

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Alert Level 1 still prevails over Taal Volcano, indicating that it is still in abnormal condition and should not be interpreted as having ceased unrest nor the threat of eruptive activity.