The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) used satellite data to map sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions from Kanlaon Volcano before and after its October 10, 2026, eruption, providing information to help monitor volcanic activity and potential air quality impacts.
The map, covering October 9 to 12, showed elevated SO₂ concentrations near the volcano following the eruption. On October 11 and 12, the plume spread northwestward, potentially affecting parts of Guimaras, Iloilo, Capiz, and Aklan.
PhilSA obtained the atmospheric data from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-5P satellite, which uses an optical imaging spectrometer to identify gases by analyzing their spectral signatures. SO₂ is commonly monitored to detect and track volcanic plumes because it is released during eruptions and is typically present at low concentrations in clean air.
The satellite-based analysis provides wide-area coverage to support government agencies in monitoring volcanic emissions and assessing potential environmental impacts.
However, PhilSA clarified that satellite-derived SO₂ column density does not directly represent ground-level concentrations. The data should therefore be interpreted alongside other monitoring information to support air quality management and volcanic activity assessments.
The public can access the high-resolution PhilSA map here.
