Taal logs highest amount of sulfur dioxide emission this year

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.

As per the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology’s (Phivolcs) 4:30 p.m. report, a total of 18,638 tonnes per day of volcanic sulfur dioxide or SO2 gas emission was recorded from the volcano’s main crater, making it “the highest flux recorded this year.”

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This is much higher than the measured average of approximately 10,331 tonnes/day for this year.

Despite this spike, no volcanic smog was reported due to the volcano.

“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 to have ceased unrest nor ceased the threat of eruptive activity.