PHIVOLCS reported that unrest at Taal continued during 7-15 March. Hot volcanic fluids circulated and upwelled in the crater lake, and daily gas-and-steam plumes that rose as high as 2.4 km above the lake drifted SW and NNW. Sulfur dioxide emissions continued to be elevated, averaging 7,695-15,306 tonnes/day during 7, 11, and 13-14 March. There were 8-49 daily volcanic earthquakes recorded during 10-14 March, including as many as 45 daily periods of volcanic tremor, each lasting 2-90 minutes. One hybrid event was recorded during 11-12 March. The Volcano Alert Level remained at a 2 (on a scale of 0-5). PHIVOLCS reminded the public that the entire Taal Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and warned against extended stays on Taal Lake.

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.

Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)