MLS detects Sulfur dioxide and Hydrogen chloride over the New Guinea Manam volcano

1.28.2005

The panels at the left show MLS detection of enhanced Sulfur dioxide(SO₂) and Hydrogen chloride, (HCl) in the lower stratosphere over New Guinea on January 28, following eruption of Manam volcano on January 27. Vertical profiles at the locations of the enhancement are shown below. Initial analysis indicate that the localized amount of enhanced HCI is about 3 times larger (in vertical column) than the maximum amounts measured for the large El Chichon and Pinatubo volcanoes.