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Report on Taal (Philippines) — 28 February-5 March 2024


Taal

Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey
Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 28 February-5 March 2024
Managing Editor: Sally Sennert.

Please cite this report as:

Global Volcanism Program, 2024. Report on Taal (Philippines) (Sennert, S, ed.). Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 28 February-5 March 2024. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.

Weekly Report (28 February-5 March 2024)

Taal

Philippines

14.0106°N, 120.9975°E; summit elev. 311 m

All times are local (unless otherwise noted)


In a special report issued for Taal, PHIVOLCS noted that sulfur dioxide emissions were 14,558 tonnes per day (t/d) on 29 February, the second highest value recorded during 2024. Sulfur dioxide emissions have been continuously released since 2021 and averaged 9,450 t/d during February 2024. Seismicity has remained at baseline levels with only three volcanic earthquakes recorded in February. The Alert Level remained at 1 (on a scale of 0-5), and PHIVOLCS reminded the public that the entire Taal Volcano Island was a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).

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)