LUCENA CITY: Two more eruptions were observed at Taal Volcano in Batangas province within the past 24 hours, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
In its daily bulletin issued at 5am on Thursday (Oct 2), Phivolcs reported a five-minute phreatic eruption and a 13-minute phreatomagmatic blast, although it did not specify the exact times of the events.
On Wednesday, a minor phreatomagmatic eruption from Taal’s main crater occurred from 2:02am to 2.15am.
The US Geological Survey defines phreatic eruptions as steam-driven explosions that occur when water beneath the ground is heated by magma, lava, hot rocks, or newly formed volcanic deposits.
Phreatomagmatic eruptions, on the other hand, occur when magma and water interact, leading to the ejection of steam and pyroclastic fragments.
During its observation period, Phivolcs also detected 10 volcanic earthquakes, accompanied by four volcanic tremors that lasted two to four minutes.
The agency clarified that volcanic earthquakes originate from active volcanoes and exhibit distinct patterns characterized by their “mode of arrivals, periods, and amplitudes.” Volcanic tremors, meanwhile, are continuous seismic signals with either regular or irregular wave patterns and low frequencies.
In the latest monitoring period, Phivolcs reported that Taal emitted 1,892 metric tons of sulfur dioxide, which rose 600 meters into the air. The agency classified the emission activity as “weak.”
No upwelling of hot volcanic fluids was observed in the main crater lake of Volcano Island, which sits at the center of Taal Lake. No volcanic smog or “vog” was also detected.
Alert Level 1, or low-level unrest, remains in effect over Taal Volcano.
Phivolcs warned that sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions, minor phreatomagmatic activity, ashfall, and the release of volcanic gas may still occur.
Authorities continue to prohibit entry into Volcano Island, Taal’s permanent danger zone, particularly within the main crater and the Daang Kastila trail. Aircraft are also discouraged from flying over the area, as ash from sudden eruptions may pose hazards.- Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
