A team of researchers at the Volcanology Centre of the University of the Azores visited the "Furna do Enxofre" (Sulphur Cave) on Graciosa to install a new carbon dioxide sensor at the base of the access tower structure. The works were carried out in partnership with the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and the Sea with the purpose of implementing an early warning mechanism that allows simultaneously assessing the environmental conditions at the cave entrance.

A new zoning plan for the "Furna do Enxofre" was tested during this visit in order to implement the special safety procedures for access to the different areas in the cave. According to experts, the newly implemented plan will now be tested in coming days. As a result of this measure, the number days when the cave is closed for safety reasons may decrease substantially.

Álamo de Meneses stated that the Government intends to assure the opening of the "Furna do Enxofre" during the summer, a time when CO2 levels are usually higher; however this situation cannot jeopardise the safety of visitors.