Report on Mayon (Philippines) — 7 February-13 February 2024
Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey
Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 7 February-13 February 2024
Managing Editor: Sally Sennert.
Written by Zachary W. Hastings.
Please cite this report as:
Global Volcanism Program, 2024. Report on Mayon (Philippines) (Hastings, Z W, and Sennert, S, eds.). Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 7 February-13 February 2024. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.
Mayon
Philippines
13.257°N, 123.685°E; summit elev. 2462 m
All times are local (unless otherwise noted)
PHIVOLCS reported that unrest continued at Mayon during 7-13 February. Crater incandescence was visible daily. The seismic network recorded a few volcanic earthquakes and rockfall signals during the week. Moderate emissions were observed almost daily that rose as high as 500 m above the summit and drifted multiple directions. On 10 February sulfur dioxide gas emissions were measured at 1,875 tonnes per day. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a 0-5 scale). Residents were reminded to stay away from the 6-km-radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and pilots were advised to avoid flying close to the summit.
Geological Summary. Symmetrical Mayon, which rises above the Albay Gulf NW of Legazpi City, is the most active volcano of the Philippines. The steep upper slopes are capped by a small summit crater. Recorded eruptions since 1616 CE range from Strombolian to basaltic Plinian, with cyclical activity beginning with basaltic eruptions, followed by longer periods of andesitic lava flows. Eruptions occur predominately from the central conduit and have also produced lava flows that travel far down the flanks. Pyroclastic density currents and mudflows have commonly swept down many of the approximately 40 ravines that radiate from the summit and have often damaged populated lowland areas. A violent eruption in 1814 killed more than 1,200 people and devastated several towns.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)