Measurements from the Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU) now show higher sulfur values in the air masses over South-West Norway. – We see a clear peak that agrees with the simulations we have done, says director of research at NILU Kjetil Tørseth. Such peaks are visible in, for example, emissions from industry or volcanic eruptions. The sulfur cloud comes as a result of the volcanic eruption in Iceland. In the atmosphere, sulfur can also be converted to sulphate, which NILU also records. – Most of the sulfur oxide that is being towed out now does not end up in Norway, but is spread out in all directions, says the research director. He adds that NILU records the sulfur cloud on satellites. The cloud must have passed Bergen and will probably hit northern Norway. – There has been no release of ash, so there is no danger to air traffic, says Tørseth. Harmless Tørseth points out that this is a low level compared to what they perceive as dangerous for humans. It is a short-lived episode that does not cause any long-term impact on nature. This gas cloud should not be harmful according to Heiko Klein, coordinator for emergency models at the Meteorological Institute. – The sulfur cloud will not have any impact on human life, other than that you can smell it. It is more of a curiosity than a danger, Klein said on Tuesday.
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