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Haze, sulfur smell explained
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Posted on Apr 04 2006
Wondering about the slight haze and the smell of sulfur on Saipan over the past few days?
The Emergency Management Office issued an explanation yesterday in a volcanic haze and sulfur advisory, which stressed that there are no significant sulfurous volcanic gases in the air over the Marianas, based on the assessment of the National Weather Service Guam.
EMO said that information coming from the National Weather Service and the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory indicates that Anatahan has been putting out a weak gas and steam plume over the last month.
The gas and plume, EMO said, have been steadily blowing or tracking southwest away from Saipan.
Over the last 24 to 36 hours, the humidity has also increased over the Mariana Islands, causing it to bring out the odor of mold spores.
Salt spray, EMO said, is also in the air due to the waves crashing on the coasts.
“Since this odor has been missing for the last few weeks, we are now sensitive to it,” EMO said.
Weak winds allow Anatahan’s gas emissions to concentrate near Anatahan and Saipan, putting a cap on the air over the islands.
The air cannot rise and disperse, reducing the visibility below what the Marianas have experienced in the last several weeks.
EMO deputy director Mark Pangelinan told the Saipan Tribune that there is nothing to worry as the haze and sulfur smell pose no danger.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial advised the public to tune in to local radio broadcasts or local news sources and log on at www.cnmiemo.gov.mp on the Internet for any future development on the Anatahan volcano or any other statements and advisories.
