INTRODUCTION

Smog presents a significant issue in many large urban regions. The primary factors
contributing to smog include emissions from vehicles and industrial activities, as well as the
burning of wood and coal. Additionally, specific weather conditions play a crucial role in its
formation. The term "smog" describes a combination of liquid and solid particles from fog
and smoke. Typically, it appears as a yellowish or blackish haze that either lingers in the
atmosphere or forms an overhead layer. Smog occurs when pollutants like fumes, emissions,
and particulates (such as nitrogen and sulfur oxides and volatile organic compounds) undergo
reactions in the presence of sunlight, leading to the creation of ground-level ozone.
Smog in the other countries
What causes smog in Los Angeles?
Photochemical smog is often referred to as "Los Angeles smog" due to its association
with this major Californian city. However, this phenomenon is not limited to Los Angeles; it
is a global issue, affecting urban areas across the world, spanning from São Paulo to Delhi.
Photochemical smog is particularly prevalent in subtropical regions and tends to form
primarily during the summer months. But what are the underlying causes of smog? Within
the chemical composition of photochemical smog, nitrogen oxides and carbon oxides are the
predominant components. Additionally, it may contain aromatic hydrocarbons, which pose
significant health risks to humans. In the case of Los Angeles, smog formation is largely
attributed to vehicle emissions. Weather conditions also play a crucial role in the
development of this type of smog. The absence of wind hinders the dispersal of air pollutants,
while intense solar exposure drives the photochemical reactions responsible for its formation.
How does the London smog form?
The sulphurous smog is also known as the London one due to the history of the
British capital. In the industrial era, it has been the most polluted city in the world. Many of
its inhabitants suffered health problems or even died as a direct result of exposure to smog. In
1952, as a result of the high concentration of sulphurous oxides in the air, thousands of
Londoners died. These tragic events have led to the introduction of regulations that helped to
lower the emissions of toxic gases and particulate matter. Today, London has cleaner air than
it used to, but the label has stayed with it.
The sulphurous smog is typical of the moderate climate and appears mainly in the
colder seasons. The reason lies in its origins – the burning of fossil fuels. It consists mainly of
sulphur oxides, carbon oxide, dust, and soot.
In its case, the weather and air pollution conditions are also crucial. The lack of
wind facilitates the formation of the London smog, but there’s a weather phenomenon that
makes it even easier – thermal inversion. It causes the rise of temperature in the higher layers
of the atmosphere. As a result, it is impossible for the air masses to mix.
Smog in the Philippines
Authorities are now again urging the public in Metro Manila and nearby provinces to
wear face masks, especially outdoors, due to smog and vog (air pollution from volcanic
emissions) caused by the continued unrest of Taal Volcano.
 But both the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) and the
Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) clarified on Friday that the smog in Metro
Manila was not caused by Taal, but, rather, by the air pollution in the metropolis, coupled
with a natural phenomenon called “temperature inversion”—which basically traps smog and
other particulate matter closer to the ground.
The DENR said that air quality index (AQI), which monitors six criteria pollutants to
determine how clean or polluted the air is, reached as high as 217 points in Parañaque City,
141 points in Pateros and 128 points in Makati – exceeding the guideline value of 35
micrograms per normal cubic meter (µg/Ncm).
ANALYSIS
According to real-time Weather and Climate, the average temperature in October
2023 is 23.66ºC (74.59ºF). On October 2, 2023, the maximum temperature detected was 29.2
ºC, which is hotter than the average. This could be one of the factors contributing to the smog
in Lanao del Sur. On October 3, 2023, the maximum temperature detected was also higher
than the average. On October 5, 2023, the maximum temperature detected was 27.6 ºC, which
is also above the average. Presumably, this may impact the air quality in Lanao del Sur and
potentially contribute to the smog."
Even on September 20, 2023 to October 1, 2023, the data indicates that the average
temperature slightly exceeded the usual average.
As for the wind speed, the data showed that during October 2, 2023 to October 5,
2023, the average vapor pressure is 02 kph. A wind speed of 2 kilometers per hour (kph) is
considered very slow. It's a gentle breeze that would barely be noticeable in most situations.
Typically, winds of this speed are not strong enough to rustle leaves, move lightweight
objects, or significantly affect the environment. In terms of the Beaufort scale, which
categorizes wind speeds, 2 kph would fall under "Calm" conditions, the lowest category,
where the air is virtually still.
As for the pressure, the lowest station pressure recorded is 923.0 mbs, and the highest
station pressure is 928.8 mbs. This data indicates that a station pressure of 923.0 millibars
(mbs) is relatively low. In meteorology, atmospheric pressure is often measured in millibars,
with typical sea-level pressure, serving as a reference point, around 1013 mbs. A station
pressure below 1013 mbs typically indicates lower-than-average atmospheric pressure. Lower
pressure is often associated with unsettled weather conditions, such as the potential for
storms, precipitation, and changing weather patterns. However, the significance of a specific
pressure value like 923.0 mbs can depend on the location, local weather patterns, and the
context in which it is measured. It's important to consider regional variations
Justification:
The weather conditions are crucial to what causes smog. How do they influence it?
 Wind: The more, windy the area is, the less probable is the formation of smog. The
wind can spread the pollutants, lowering their concentration in a particular space.
However, that doesn’t mean that they disappear.
  Temperature: High temperature with high sun exposure can fuel photochemical
reactions. The thermal inversion can make it impossible for the pollutants to move to
higher altitudes, trapping them on the Earth’s surface. The convection – mixing the
masses of warmer and lighter air with the cooler and heavier ones – facilitates it.
 Pressure: High pressure is associated with stable weather. The air masses move much
slower in such circumstances, which creates favorable conditions for smog. Low
pressure, on the other hand, creates higher humidity and makes the masses of the air
move fast. It can lead to precipitation which washes the pollution out of the
atmosphere.
CONCLUSION
These findings represent the conclusions drawn from this analysis:
1. Temperature: The data shows that temperatures in Lanao del Sur, particularly in
October 2023, have been higher than the average. These elevated temperatures can
contribute to the formation of smog, as photochemical reactions that create smog tend
to occur more rapidly in warm, sunny conditions.
2. Wind Speed: During the period analyzed, wind speeds were relatively slow, with an
average of 2 kph. Slow wind speeds can hinder the dispersion of pollutants, allowing
them to accumulate near the ground, potentially contributing to smog formation.
3. Pressure: The station pressure values, ranging from 923.0 mbs to 928.8 mbs, suggest
that atmospheric pressure in the region is relatively low. Lower pressure can be
associated with unsettled weather conditions, which can impact air quality and
contribute to the potential for smog formation.
4. Temperature Inversion: The analysis also touches upon temperature inversion, a
phenomenon that can trap pollutants closer to the ground, exacerbating smog
conditions.
5. Wind as a Mitigating Factor: Wind is mentioned as a mitigating factor for smog.
When winds are stronger, they can help disperse pollutants, reducing the likelihood of
smog formation.
6. Pressure and Precipitation: The role of high pressure in creating stable weather and
low pressure in bringing higher humidity and precipitation is explained. Low
pressure, with its potential for rain, can help cleanse the atmosphere of pollutants.

References:
Cabalza, Dexter. (2023, September 23). It’s smog, not vog, in Metro Manila —but put masks
back on. Inquirer.Net. Retrieved from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1835667/its-smog-not-
vog-in-metro-but-put-masks-back-on#ixzz8FoJOwmEB
Rinkesh. (Year: Not Stated). Smog Pollution: Causes, Effects and Remarkable Solutions.
Conserve Energy Future. Retrieved from https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-
effects-solutions-to-smog-pollution.php
Ronda, Rainier Allan, and Cabrera, Romina. (2023, September 23). Smog blankets Metro
Manila, nearby provinces. PhilStarGlobal. Retrieved from
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/09/23/2298392/smog-blankets-metro-manila-
nearby-provinces
Szemraj, Marta, Luta, Dimal, Van Leeuwen, Jurgen, & Lasoń, Szymon. (Year: Not Stated).
Title of Webpage: Air Pollution and Weather – How Do the Weather Conditions Cause
Smog? Airly. Retrieved from https://airly.org/en/weather-vs-smog-how-do-the-weather-
condition-influence-its-formation/
Appendices: