Seismic activity ... has abated and few local events have been recorded since 14 November. Thermal and steaming conditions remained unchanged from normal levels. Lake level monitoring showed some subsidence (about 10 cm) of the SW shores of Taal Lake, which face the 1965-77 eruption site on the volcano island. Residents who fled during the crisis have returned to their homes. PHIVOLCS established 3 EDM lines, 1 dry tilt network, and one precise leveling line on the island's SW sector near the 1965-77 eruption site. Volcanologists had also re-occupied old seismic stations on the SE part of the volcano island.

Geological Summary. Taal is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines and has produced some powerful eruptions. The 15 x 20 km Talisay (Taal) caldera is largely filled by Lake Taal, whose 267 km2 surface lies only 3 m above sea level. The maximum depth of the lake is 160 m, with several submerged eruptive centers. The 5-km-wide Volcano Island in north-central Lake Taal is the location of all observed eruptions. The island is composed of coalescing small stratovolcanoes, tuff rings, and scoria cones. Powerful pyroclastic flows and surges have caused many fatalities.

Information Contacts: PHIVOLCS.