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Anatahan smog may reach NMI, Guam anew
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Posted on May 02 2006
Anatahan volcano’s vog—a volcanic smog formed when sulfur dioxide and other pollutants mix in the air—may reach the CNMI and Guam in the next few days, according to the Emergency Management Office.
EMO, in its Anatahan May 1 update report, said that meteorological conditions may blow the vog over to the Marianas, as what had happened earlier last month.
EMO advised residents to check with the National Weather Service on current wind conditions that may bring the Anatahan vog to nearby populated areas.
Anatahan is emitting gas and steam from its east crater, which combines to produce vog, the report said.
The agency, however, noted that volcanic activity has decreased significantly, but Anatahan continues to be monitored for any changes.
“Seismic levels have been low over the past week. A few to several long-period earthquakes occur each day, all with magnitude less than M=1,” EMO said.
Three geologists who visited Anatahan last month found steam and gas being emitted from the southwest crater wall above a discolored lake in the east crater.
The geologists’ testing confirmed the presence of sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide in the plume.
Anatahan, located 120 km north of Saipan, made its first historical eruption on the evening of May 10, 2003.
