Opens in a new tab

Letter VGeology glossary

Vog

Vog, short for volcanic smog, is a form of air pollution caused by the release of sulfur dioxide and other volcanic gases into the atmosphere, where they react with oxygen, moisture, and sunlight to form fine particles. Vog is significant in environmental science for its impact on air quality, human health, and the environment in areas downwind of active volcanoes.

Yellow sulfur deposits near volcanic crater (vog)
Fig. 1 Yellow sulfur deposits near volcanic crater (vog)

Source Tam, E., et al. (2016). “Volcanic Air Pollution over the Island of Hawai’i: Emission Sources, Impacts, and Mitigation.” Atmospheric Environment, 142, 16-29.

join.me

Geology made clear, in your inbox.

Get clear, visual explainers on rocks, minerals, deep time, and the most fascinating parts of Earth science from Geoscopy.