SO2 Emissions from Guagua Pichincha (September 29 –
Present)
SO2 emissions are believed to be a good tool used to forecast volcanic eruptions because the gas is released by magma as it comes closer to the surface and degases due to depressurization. Large rates of SO2 emission have been shown to precede eruptions at other volcanoes including Mount Etna and Asama volcano. SO2 readings have been determined by using a correlation spectrometer (COSPEC). COSPEC is a remote-sensing method that uses solar ultraviolet light scattered by the Earth’s atmosphere as a source. The instrument measures the amount of ultraviolet light absorbed by the SO2 along the path of a plume. (Casadevall, et al 1981). We will attempt a reading every 5-6 days, as it takes an aircraft, good weather, and 1-2 hours to take an accurate reading.
Oct.
19 10 +/- 10 tons per day
Oct.
22 10 +/- 10 tons per day
Oct.
24 48 +/- 40 tons per day
Oct.
29 100 +/- 20 tons per day