Increasing volcanic activity observed in Taal — Phivolcs
By Justine Rich Talusan
THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has monitored a “more active” degassing activity from the Taal Volcano’s main crater.
In a Facebook post, Phivolcs said Taal Volcano’s sulfur dioxide emission has been increasing since March 6, reaching 15,900 tons on March 9.
For the past 24 hours, Phivolcs has recorded eight volcanic earthquakes, including four volcanic tremor events having durations of two to eight minutes, and three low-frequency volcanic earthquakes.
Volcanic earthquakes are caused by movements or eruptions of magma from the volcano.
Upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in its lake generated plumes 1,200 meters high.
“Degassing from the Taal Main Crater has noticeably become more active since midnight of March 11. Volcanic sulfur dioxide gas emission is on an increasing trend since March 6 and recently peaked at 15,900 tons per day on March 9,” Phivolcs, in a tweet, said.
Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 2.
Under Alert Level 2, sudden steam- or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within and around the Taal Volcano Island.
Entry into the Taal Volcano Island, which is a permanent danger zone, particularly the vicinities of the main crater, and the Daang Kastila fissure, is strictly prohibited.
