Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 7) — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported an increase in sulfur dioxide emissions from Taal Volcano in Batangas on Sunday.
In an advisory issued at 11:30 p.m., the agency said a total of 17,141 tonnes/day of sulfur dioxide emission was recorded from the main crater Sunday morning, the highest since its alert status was lowered to Level 1 last month.
“Airborne volcanic gas is expected to be drifted to the general east to west of Taal Volcano Island based on air parcel trajectory data from PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration),” it said.
Since July 15 of this year, Phivolcs said sulfur dioxide emissions have averaged 6,041 tonnes/day, higher than the average of 1,289 tonnes/day recorded between May and mid-July.
The increased release also resulted in an upwelling in the main crater lake and “voluminous steam-rich plume activity” over the last three days, Phivolcs added.
