Eric Lino Arconado, Christian Joseph Clarito, Deborah Fernandez, Roger Paderna, Nicole Khaye Mariano, Jerome Peter Traviña, Benjamin Tanatan, and Ma. Antonia Bornas

On 14 November 2024, the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) successfully commissioned two (2) new ScanDOAS stations on the northwestern and eastern sectors of Kanlaon Volcano in Sitio Manghumay, Brgy. Mailum, Bago City, Negros Occidental and in Kanlaon Volcano Observatory–Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, respectively. As part of the planned enhanced volcanic gas monitoring network to generate near real-time, high-resolution data, the addition of ScanDOAS instruments allows for continuous, daytime measurement of sulfur dioxide (SO2) flux in Kanlaon Volcano. The instrument comprises a UV-spectrometer, telescope, scanner, fiber optics cable, micro-computer, controller box, timer, and GPS receiver. The data obtained are transmitted in near real-time to the Kanlaon Volcano Observatories and the PHIVOLCS Data Receiving Center for processing and analysis.

Kanlaon Volcano has been at Alert Level 2 since its eruption on 3 June 2024 and elevated SO2 degassing has been sustained since then. The establishment of continuous SO2 stations will support current campaign SO2 monitoring of Kanlaon and provide higher-resolution data that will be crucial for assessing unrest and early-warning of volcanic eruption. The acquisition of ScanDOAS technology for monitoring active volcanoes in the Philippines was made possible through collaboration with the Network for Observation of Volcanic and Atmospheric Change or NOVAC Consortium. These latest improvements are a testament to the DOST-PHIVOLCS’ commitment to providing timely, quality, and socially inclusive information and services for warning, disaster preparedness, and mitigation.

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For more information, please contact:
Dr. Teresito C. Bacolcol
Director
DOST-PHIVOLCS
(+632) 8-426-1468 to 79