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The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported daily volcanic earthquakes and occasional volcanic tremor events at Taal that lasted 4-14 minutes at a time. Weak-to-voluminous emissions rose as high as 2.7 km above the crater and drifted several directions. 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) and recommended that the Main Crater and areas along the Daang Kastila fissure should remain prohibited.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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Small phreatomagmatic explosions in April and October 2022
Taal is a stratovolcano with a crater lake on a 5-km-wide volcanic island within a large caldera (Lake Taal) in the SW part of Luzon, Philippines, about 65 km S of Manila. Since at least 1968, episodes of increased seismicity, elevated lake temperatures, steaming, significant sulfur dioxide plumes, and deformation have been reported, both during and independent of eruptive periods. A series of phreatic and phreatomagmatic explosions began in January 2020, and subsequent explosions occurred in July and November 2021, and January-March 2022 (NSEB 02:10, SEAN 03:02, BGVN 45:06, 46:10, 47:04). This report describes activity during April-October 2022 using reports from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), and satellite data.
PHIVOLCS reported that hot volcanic fluids circulated and upwelled in Taal’s crater lake during 30 March through 6 April 2022, producing plumes that rose as high as 2 km above the lake’s surface and drifted SW. Tremor persisted daily until 5 April. Three phreatomagmatic bursts from the Main Crater were detected at 1039, 1047, and 1055 on 1 April, based on seismic data and webcam images, which produced plumes 500-900 m above the lake that drifted SW.
The Alert Level for Taal was lowered to 2 (on a scale of 0-5) by PHIVOLCS on 9 April 2022, noting a significant decrease in activity during the previous two weeks. Sulfur dioxide emissions that had peaked at 21,211 metric tons per day (t/d) on 16 March, dropped significantly during the first half of April and on 11 April were below detection limits; this was the lowest number recorded since unrest began in 2021. Diffuse plumes from the lake had also decreased in frequency, though they rose 600-900 m above the surface during 10-12 April. On 11 July PHIVOLCS lowered the Alert Level to 1, noting that during the previous two months activity had returned to baseline levels of volcanic earthquakes, weak gas emissions, and minor surface activity.
In May and June 2022, sulfur dioxide emissions increased, then increased more beginning on 15 July. Another significant increase was measured during early August, peaking on 7 August (table 1). Vog, dense in some locations, was present over the W part of the caldera during 2-3 August and caused vegetation damage. Upwelling gas and hot fluids in the lake, and voluminous steam-rich plumes rising as high as 3 km above the lake, were visible during 1-15 August. Low-frequency earthquakes and tremor increased above background levels. Strong sulfur dioxide plumes were detected during the last third of April; none were detected in May or June, a few were scattered in July, about half the days consisted of plumes in August, and intermittent plumes occurred during September and October (figure 29).
Table 1. Sulfur dioxide levels measured at Taal during 15 July through October 2022. Compiled from PHIVOLCS reports.
| Date | Average Value (metric tons/day) | Remarks |
| 15 Jul-03 Aug 2022 | 4,952 | High of 12,125 t/d on 3 August; vog over the W part of Taal Caldera during 2-3 August; dense vog in Laurel (11 km NW) and Banyaga (6 km W) damaged vegetation. Sulfur odor reported by residents of Tagaytay City (12 km NNW) and Bugaan East (7 km NW). |
| 7 Aug | 17,141 | PHIVOLCS issued advisory |
| 9-15 Aug 2022 | 3,802-6,844 | High of 13,572 t/d on 11 August; significant vog around the caldera and a sulfur odor reported by residents of Banyaga, Poblacion (9 km NNE), Boso-boso (5 km WNW), and Gulod (7 km WNW), and Poblacion. |
| Sep 2022 | 6,612 | High of 10,718 t/d on 29 Sep; significant vog over caldera. Vog reported by residents of Laurel, Agoncillo (8 km WSW), and Santa Teresita (15 km SSW) |
| Oct 2022 | 3,882 | Measured 3,882 t/d on 13 Oct; 4,422 on 17 Oct; 6,702 on 20 Oct; 1,403 on 24 Oct; 544 on 27 Oct. |
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Figure 29. Typical examples of strong sulfur dioxide plumes from Taal, shown here on 13 August and 22 October 2022, as detected by the TROPOMI instrument aboard the Sentinel-5P satellite. Courtesy of the NASA Global Sulfur Dioxide Monitoring Page. |
PHIVOLCS reported increased unrest during 5-29 October, with a series of phreatomagmatic explosions (table 2). The explosions were accompanied by volcanic earthquakes and tremor. In addition to phreatomagmatic explosions, upwellings of gas and hot fluid in the lake were typically visible in October, with white steam emissions rising 600-3,000 m above the lake.
Table 2. Phreatomagmatic explosions at Taal recorded during October 2022. The lake is about 300 m above sea level. Data courtesy of PHIVOLCS and the Tokyo VAAC.
| Date | Description |
| 05 Oct 2022 | 3-minute-long burst; according to Tokyo VAAC, an ash plume rose to 600 m altitude and drifted SW. |
| 14-15 Oct 2022 | Six small explosions, each lasting 1-2 minutes; Tokyo VAAC reported that three ash plumes rose as high as 600 m altitude and drifted NW. |
| 15-16 Oct 2022 | One explosion. |
| 21-22 Oct 2022 | Webcam recorded 29 bursts from vent on NE part of lake, each lasting 1-5 minutes long. Some events produced 200-m-high steam-rich plumes and very, short, dark ash plumes that immediately collapsed back into the water. Not all events generated detectable signals in the seismic and infrasound records. According to the Tokyo VAC, ash plumes rose to 600 m altitude on 21 October and drifted W. |
| 22-23 Oct 2022 | Two bursts, each lasting 6-7 minutes long. |
| 25-29 Oct 2022 | Range of 2-16 daily bursts. Tokyo VAAC noted that three ash plumes rose as high as 600 m altitude and drifted NW and SW during 26-28 October. |
Thermal measurements made by MODIS satellite instruments and processed by MIROVA showed numerous hotspots throughout the reporting period (figure 30). The MODVOLC thermal alerts system recorded only occasional hotspots during the reporting period. The number of days with hotspots during April-October 2022 ranged from 2 to 6 (April: 6, May: 3, June: 4, July: 5, August: 3, September: 5, October: 2). During the series of phreatomagmatic explosions in October, only two hotspots were recorded by MODVOLC.
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Figure 30. Log Radiative Power graph of thermal anomalies at Taal during 2022, as recorded by the MIROVA system, showing numerous low to moderate power hotspots during April-October 2022. Courtesy of MIROVA. |
Information Contacts: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Department of Science and Technology, University of the Philippines Campus, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines (URL: http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), 1-3-4 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8122, Japan (URL: http://ds.data.jma.go.jp/svd/vaac/data/); MIROVA (Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity), a collaborative project between the Universities of Turin and Florence (Italy) supported by the Centre for Volcanic Risk of the Italian Civil Protection Department (URL: http://www.mirovaweb.it/); Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology (HIGP) - MODVOLC Thermal Alerts System, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Univ. of Hawai'i, 2525 Correa Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA (URL: http://modis.higp.hawaii.edu/); NASA Global Sulfur Dioxide Monitoring Page, Atmospheric Chemistry and Dynamics Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA/GSFC), 8800 Greenbelt Road, Goddard, Maryland, USA (URL: https://so2.gsfc.nasa.gov/); Sentinel Hub Playground (URL: https://www.sentinel-hub.com/explore/sentinel-playground).
2024: February
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2023: May
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2022: January
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2021: February
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2020: January
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2011: January
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2010: June
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2008: August
2006: October
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2004: October
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The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported daily volcanic earthquakes and occasional volcanic tremor events at Taal that lasted 4-14 minutes at a time. Weak-to-voluminous emissions rose as high as 2.7 km above the crater and drifted several directions. 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) and recommended that the Main Crater and areas along the Daang Kastila fissure should remain prohibited.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that unrest at Taal continued during 22-29 October. Two phreatic events lasting 5-9 minutes long were recorded on 22 October. Hot fluids upwelling in the lake were observed and steam-and-gas plumes rose 1.5 km above the crater rim and drifted SE. Upwelling of hot fluids was again observed on 23 October; weather conditions often obscured views during 23-25 October. Four-minute-long tremor signals were recorded on 24 and 27 October. Steam-and-gas plumes rose 300-900 m and drifted NNE and NE during 26-27 October. 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) and recommended that the Main Crater and areas along the Daang Kastila fissure should remain prohibited.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that phreatic eruptive events at Taal periodically continued during 16-22 October. There were 1-2 phreatic events recorded almost daily during the week, with most lasting 2-14 minutes. Hot fluids upwelling in the lake were persistently observed, and daily steam-and-gas emissions that were sometimes voluminous rose as high as 1.8 km above the crater rim. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 1,577 tonnes per day (t/d) on 16 October and 1,256 t/d on 19 October. 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) and recommended that the Main Crater and areas along the Daang Kastila fissure and Taal Lake should remain prohibited.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that phreatic eruptive events at Taal periodically continued during 8-15 October. There were 1-2 phreatic events recorded almost daily during the week, with most reportedly lasting 3-13 minutes long. Hot fluids upwelling in the lake were persistently observed, and daily steam-and-gas emissions that were sometime voluminous rose as high as 3 km above the crater rim. Two volcanic earthquakes were detected during 8-9 October, two periods of volcanic tremor lasting two minutes long were recorded during 9-10 October, one volcanic earthquake was recorded during 11-12 October, and a period of tremor lasting 10 hours and 30 minutes was recorded during 12-13 October. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 2,256 tonnes per day (t/d) on 9 October, 1,256 t/d on 12 October, and 2,064 t/d/ on 14 October, remaining at elevated levels. Vog was reported during 10-11 October. 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) and recommended that the Main Crater and areas along the Daang Kastila fissure should remain prohibited.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) issued advisories for Taal reporting that a total of 30 phreatic events were recorded almost daily during 22 September-5 October. Five phreatic events during the morning of 5 October were recorded by the seismic network. A minor phreatomagmatic eruption began at 1132 and lasted four minutes based on visual observations and seismic and infrasound data. The eruption ejected a short, black plume followed by a steam-rich plume that rose 2 km above the crater rim and drifted SW. Trace ashfall was reported in Agoncillo, Batangas, W of Taal Lake. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 2,068 tonnes per day (t/d) during 5-6 October and 1,267 t/d on 7 October, remaining at elevated levels. One small phreatic event was recorded during 6-7 October, and two phreatic events lasting 1-4 minutes long were recorded during 7-8 October. Hot fluids upwelling in the lake were observed during 5-8 October along with emissions that rose 900 m above the crater rim and drifted SW. 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) and recommended that the Main Crater and areas along the Daang Kastila fissure should remain prohibited.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) issued advisories for Taal reporting that a total of 18 phreatic events were recorded almost daily during 22 September-2 October. There were 1-3 daily phreatic events during 22-23 and 25-30 September, each lasting 1-8 minutes long based on visual, seismic, and infrasound data. Five of the events occurred during 0110-0437 on 1 October. Daily white steam-and-gas emissions that were sometime voluminous rose 0.7-2.1 km above the crater rim and drifted in multiple directions. Hot fluids were visible upwelling in the lake almost daily. A phreatomagmatic eruption recorded during 1621-1632 on 2 October ejected short black jets of material followed by a voluminous steam-rich plume that rose 2.4 km and drifted NE. PHIVOLCS concluded that the event was likely driven by water contacting a small body of shallow magma that has been steadily degassing for the previous three years; deformation and seismic data were at background levels and did not indicated that the unrest would escalate into a large magmatic eruption. Sulfur dioxide emissions were measured a few times during 22 September-2 October and trended downward, averaging 8,927 tonnes per day (t/d) on 21 September, 4,899 t/d on 23 September, 1,510 t/d on 28 September, 1,354 t/d on 30 September, and 2,532 t/d on 2 October. PHIVOLCS noted that sulfur dioxide emissions had been high in 2024, averaging 6,712 t/d since January. 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) and recommended that the Main Crater and areas along the Daang Kastila fissure should remain prohibited.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported ongoing, low-level unrest at Taal during 6-13 August. Daily steam-and-gas plumes rose as high as 1.2 km above the crater rim and drifted NE and ENE. Four volcanic earthquakes were recorded during 6-7 August and a volcanic tremor signal lasting one minute occurred during 7-8 August . Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 5,094 tonnes per day (t/d) on 8 August and 2,655 t/d on 12 August. Hot fluids were visible upwelling in the lake during 10-13 August. A one-minute phreatic event was detected during 11-12 August. 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) and to take extra precautions around Main Crater, when boating on Taal Lake, and along the Daang Kastila fissure.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported daily emissions and phreatic eruptions at Taal’s Main Crater during 31 July-6 August. There were five phreatic eruptions recorded, each lasting between 1 and 5 minutes. On 31 July diffuse emissions rose 500 m above the crater rim and drifted NE. During 1-6 August moderately dense to dense emissions rose as high as 2.4 km above the crater rim and drifted in several directions. The SO2 concentration was measured at 3,309 tonnes per day (t/d) on 2 August and 4,666 t/d on 5 August. 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) and to take extra precaution around Main Crater and along the Daang Kastila fissure.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that daily moderately dense to dense emissions rose as high as 2.4 km above the rim of Taal’s Main Crater and drifted several directions. Sulfur dioxide emissions peaked at 11,745 tonnes per day (t/d) on 11 July, but by 15 July were back below the 2024 average of 7,895 t/d at 5,236 t/d. A phreatic event on 13 July lasted one minute based on seismic and infrasound data, and generated emissions that rose 1.5 km above Main Crater and drifted SW. 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) and to take extra precaution around Main Crater and along the Daang Kastila fissure.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that daily steam-and-gas emissions were visible in webcam images rising as high as 1.8 km above the rim of Taal’s Main Crater and drifting SW, W, and NW during 25 June-2 July. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 5,100 tonnes per day (t/d) on 25 June, 6,571 t/d on 28 June, and 2,116 t/d on 1 July; the emissions were high, though below the 2024 average of 7,895 t/d. Phreatic events at 1431 and 1439 on 29 June each lasted one minute based on seismic and infrasound data, and generated steam-laden plumes that rose 800 m above Main Crater and drifted SW. 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) and to take extra precaution around Main Crater and along the Daang Kastila fissure.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that daily voluminous steam-and-gas emissions at Taal rose as high as 2.8 km above the rim of Main Crater and drifted NNW, NW, SW, and SSE during 18-24 June, based on webcam images. There were five periods of volcanic tremor recorded during 18-19 and 21-23 June, each lasting 1-10 minutes. Vog was reported during 18-21 June; sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 4,641 tonnes per day on 20 June. During 2130-2132 on 24 June phreatic events generated steam-laden plumes that rose 600 m above Main Crater and drifted W. 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) and to take extra precaution around Main Crater and along the Daang Kastila fissure.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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In a special report, PHIVOLCS noted that sulfur dioxide emissions were elevated at Taal, averaging 11,072 tonnes per day (t/d) on 6 June. Sulfur dioxide emissions have been continuously released since 2021 and averaged 8,294 t/d during 2024. Hazy or voggy conditions were reported at Alitagtag, Tingloy, San Nicolas, Laurel, Taysan, Lobo, and Batangas City, and were observed during field surveys in Agoncillo, Lemery, Taal, Santa Teresita, Alitagtag, Cuenca, Lipa, Balete, and Malvar.
Daily steam-and-gas emissions that were sometimes voluminous rose 1.9-2.4 km above the rim of Main Crater and drifted NNW, NW, SW, and SSE based on webcam images during 6-11 June. Two volcanic earthquakes were recorded during the week. During 7-8 June there were five periods of volcanic tremor lasting as short as three minutes and as long as 10 hours and eight minutes. A two-minute phreatic event was also recorded. Upwelling gases and hot fluids in the lake were observed during 8-10 June. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 2,470 t/d on 10 June. 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) and to take extra precaution around Main Crater and along the Daang Kastila fissure.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported ongoing unrest at Taal during 13-21 May. Daily upwelling of gases and hot fluids in the lake generated steam-and-gas plumes that rose as high as 2.4 km above the crater rim and drifted WNW. Sulfur dioxide emissions increased to 5,094 tonnes per day (t/d) on 13 May. A phreatic event began at 1345 on 15 May, lasted about five minutes, and produced a steam plume that rose 500 m above Main Crater rim and drifted W and NW. On 16 May a series of short phreatic events were visible in webcam images and detected by the seismic network during 0854-0857, 1107-1110, 1348-1350, 1737-1738, and a fifth that ended at 2303. The events produced steam plumes that rose 50-300 m and drifted WNW. Sulfur dioxide emissions decreased to 3,823 t/d on 20 May. 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) and to take extra precautions around Main Crater, when boating on Taal Lake, and along the Daang Kastila fissure.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported ongoing unrest at Taal during 8-14 May. Sulfur dioxide emissions decreased during the previous week, with emissions averaged 2,191 tonnes per day (t/d) on 6 May. Minor phreatic events were recorded during 0827-0831 on 8 May in seismic and infrasound data. The events produced white steam plumes that rose 2 km above Main Crater and drifted SW based on webcam images. Sulfur dioxide emissions increased slightly on 9 May to 2,346 (t/d). A series of phreatic events were visible in webcam images during 0703-0709, 0717-0718, 0752-0754, 0757-0800, and a fifth that ended at 1029 on 10 May. Steam plumes rose 100-300 m and drifted SW. 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) and to take extra precautions around Main Crater, when boating on Taal Lake, and along the Daang Kastila fissure.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported ongoing unrest at Taal during 23-30 April. Upwelling gasses and hot fluids in the lake were visible during daily observations. Daily emissions of gas-and-steam rose from Main Crater Lake as high as 1.8 km, were sometimes voluminous, and drifted generally NW and SW. There were 0-14 daily earthquakes recorded by the seismic network including a few periods of volcanic tremor lasting 2-4 minutes. One phreatic event lasting two minutes long was recorded during 28-29 April. 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) and to take extra precautions around Main Crater, when boating on Taal Lake, and along the Daang Kastila fissure.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that sulfur dioxide emissions at Taal had decreased the last week and averaged 2,104 tonnes per day (t/d) on 18 April; despite the decrease averages in 2024 remained high at 9,698 t/d. Short-lived phreatic events were recorded during 0850-0852, 0909-0912, 1102-1107, and 1710-1714 on 20 April based on seismic data and webcam images. White steam plumes rose 300-600 m above Main Crater and drifted WSW, SW, and NW. During 21-23 April emissions rose 600-900 m and drifted NW and SW and observers noted pronounced upwelling of gases and hot fluids in the lake. 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) and to take extra precautions around Main Crater, when boating on Taal Lake, and along the Daang Kastila fissure.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that a phreatic eruption at Taal was recorded during 0511-0524 on 12 April based on seismic data, infrasound data, and visual observations. A steam plume rose 2.4 km and drifted SW. Four phreatic eruptions recorded during 0945-1522 produced steam plumes that rose 100-300 m. The events originated from a new vent on the SW side of Taal Main Crater and each lasted 1-13 minutes long. A phreatic event was recorded at 1013 on 13 April, lasted for four minutes, and generated a steam plume that rose 600 m and drifted WNW. Sulfur dioxide emissions that same day averaged 4,709 tonnes per day. Steam emissions during 14-15 April rose as high as 900 m and drifted WSW. 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) and to take extra precaution around Main Crater and along the Daang Kastila fissure.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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In a special report issued for Taal, PHIVOLCS noted that sulfur dioxide emissions were 18,638 tonnes per day (t/d) on 28 March, the highest value recorded during 2024. Sulfur dioxide emissions have been continuously released since 2021 and averaged 10,331 t/d during 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) and to take extra precaution around Main Crater and along the Daang Kastila fissure.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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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).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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In a special report issued for Taal on 19 February, PHIVOLCS noted that sulfur dioxide emissions were as high as 14,211 tonnes per day (t/d) and that a sulfur odor was reported in the neighborhoods of Bilibinwang and Banyaga, in the Municipality of Agoncillo. Sulfur dioxide emissions have been continuously released since 2021 and averaged 10,000 t/d during January-February 2024. Seismicity has been low in 2024 with only 17 volcanic earthquakes, mainly associated with gas emissions. 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).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that unrest at Taal continued during 22-28 November. Daily pronounced upwelling of gases and hot fluids in the lake generated steam-and-gas plumes that rose as high as 1.2 km above the crater and drifted SW. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 7,608 and 11,962 tonnes per day on 23 and 27 November, respectively. The seismic network recorded 6-66 daily periods of volcanic tremor each lasting 1-7 minutes long. 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).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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In a special report for Taal issued on 15 November, PHIVOLCS noted that sulfur dioxide emissions were as high as 11,695 tonnes per day (t/d) and gas-and-steam plumes rose up to 1.2 km. A minor sulfur odor was reported in Banyaga, Agoncillo. High concentrations of gas had been continually emitted since March 2021; emissions averaged 6,267 t/d since September. Seismicity was at moderate levels; of the 686 earthquakes recorded during 1 September-15 November 629 were volcanic tremors associated with gas emissions. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 8,024 t/d on 16 November. During 16-21 November pronounced upwelling of gasses and hot fluids in the lake produced plumes that rose 500-1,200 m and drifted SW. 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).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that the increased unrest at Taal continued during 8-14 November. Daily pronounced upwelling of gases and hot fluids in the lake generated steam-and-gas plumes that rose as high as 1 km above the crater and drifted SW. Sulfur dioxide emissions were 5282-11,499 tonnes per day (t/d); the highest being recorded on 9 November. 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).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported increased and continuous gas emissions at Taal in a special report issued on 12 October. Pronounced upwelling of gasses and hot fluids in the lake produced short plumes that drifted SW. Sulfur dioxide emissions were as high as 9,762 tonnes per day (t/d), the highest measurement recorded in 2023; emissions in September and October averaged 3,781 t/d. These upwellings in the lake continued during 14-16 October and sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 4,878 t/d on 14 October. 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).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported ongoing unrest at Taal during 19-26 September. Upwelling gasses and hot fluids in the lake were visible during daily observations. Daily emissions of gas-and-steam rose from Main Crater Lake as high as 3 km and drifted in multiple directions. During 19-22 September there were 2-6 daily periods of volcanic tremor recorded by the seismic network, ranging from 4 minutes long to nearly 10 hours; no earthquakes were recorded during the rest of the week. Vog was reported almost daily, though conditions on 21 September prompted PHIVOLCS to issue a special notice. Starting at around 1230 on 21 September vog was present over Taal Lake. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 4,569 tonnes per day and a large sulfur dioxide cloud was identified in satellite images drifting W. PHIVOLCS noted that vog had been affecting the Taal region since the first week of September. 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).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported ongoing unrest at Taal during 13-18 September. Daily emissions of gas-and-steam rose from Main Crater Lake generally as high as 2.4 km, were sometimes voluminous, and drifted ENE, ESE, SW, and NW. Upwelling gasses and fluids in the lake were visible during daily observations. During 14-18 September there were 2-4 daily volcanic earthquakes recorded by the seismic network, including 1-3 daily periods of tremor each lasting 1-2 minutes long. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 3,264 tonnes per day on 15 September and coupled with taller steam-and-gas plumes that rose as high as 3 km, caused vog over Taal Lake beginning at around 1000. PHIVOLCS noted that vog had been affecting the Taal region since the first week of September. 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).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that a series of seven significant but shallow tremors were recorded at Taal by all 15 seismic stations of the Taal Volcano Network during 0609-0900 on 13 July. Most of the events were located SE of Taal Volcano Island (TVI). Infrared camera images of Main Crater lake indicated increased thermal output. The report noted that sulfur dioxide emissions had been elevated during the previous two weeks, averaging 5,866 tonnes/day (t/d) and peaking at 9,623 t/d on 6 July. Upwelling gasses and fluids in the lake were periodically visible. Electronic tilt data indicated inflation at the N flank of TVI since May 2023.
During 11-18 July there were 2-16 daily volcanic earthquakes including 1-13 periods of volcanic tremor (each lasting 1-5 minutes long); a period of tremor that began at 1210 on 16 July was ongoing through 17 July. Upwelling gasses and fluids in the lake were visible on a few of the days; vog was reported around the caldera during 11-12 July. Daily emissions of gas-and-steam rose 0.9-2.4 km and drifted SW, SE, NE, and NW. 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).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported continuing unrest at Taal during 26 June-4 July. Daily white steam-and-gas plumes, voluminous during the first half of the week, rose as high as 2.4 km above the lake and drifted NE, NW, S, and SW; voggy conditions were reported during 2-3 July. Upwelling gasses and hot fluids in the lake were periodically visible. Sulfur dioxide emissions were variable, averaging 7,480 (28 June), 1,165 (30 June), and 4,472 (3 July) tonnes per day. Two periods of volcanic tremor, each lasting 2-3 minutes long, and three volcanic earthquakes were recorded during 26-29 June. There were 9-11 daily volcanic earthquakes recorded during 29 June-2 July, including 1-8 periods of volcanic tremor, each lasting 1-14 minutes. One volcanic earthquake was recorded during 2-3 July. 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).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported continuing low-level unrest at Taal during 13-20 June characterized by elevated seismicity, upwelling in the lake, and sulfur dioxide gas emissions. There were 20-38 daily volcanic earthquakes recorded during 13-17 June and a total of 11 recorded during 19-20 June. There were 2-46 daily periods of tremor, each lasting 2-67 minutes long. Daily white steam-and-gas plumes (sometimes voluminous) rose as high as 3 km above the lake and drifted NE, NW, and SW; voggy conditions were reported during 16-17 June. Upwelling gasses and hot fluids in the lake were visible during 14-17 June. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 7,643 and 2,177 tonnes per day on 15 June and 19 June, respectively. 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).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported continuing low-level unrest at Taal during 6-13 June characterized by elevated seismicity, upwelling in the lake, and sulfur dioxide gas emissions. Volcanic tremor located at shallow depths along the Daang Kastila fissure was continuous with almost 166 hours recorded during 2-9 June; periods of volcanic tremor also took place 4-7 times each day during 9-12 June, each lasting 2-97 minutes. There were 1-11 volcanic earthquakes recorded on most days. Upwelling gasses and hot fluids in the lake continued to be visible almost daily, and voluminous white steam-and-gas plumes that rose as high as 3 km above the lake drifted NW, E, and SSE. Daily sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 2,941-6,884 tonnes per day. The steam-and-gas plumes produced voggy conditions in the caldera during 6-9 June, prompting an advisory to the public to be issued on 7 June. 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).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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In a 2 June advisory PHIVOLCS reported continuing low-level unrest at Taal. Starting at 0635 on 2 June relatively weak but continuous volcanic tremor located at shallow depths along the Daang Kastila fissure was recorded by all 15 seismic stations of the Taal Volcano Network. At the same time webcams recorded upwelling in Main Crater Lake on Taal Volcano Island (TVI) and more intense thermal anomalies in the N portion of the lake. Pronounced inflation in the SW part of Taal Volcano Island was detected towards the end of May, following a longer phase of deflation in that same sector. Sulfur dioxide gas emissions had slightly increased during the previous two weeks, averaging 5,360 tonnes per day during 22 May-1 June, higher than the 3,000 tonnes per day average recorded during 1 April-21 May. Emissions averaged 5,831 tonnes per day on 1 June. PHIVOLCS stated that a new phase of magma degassing at depth was likely driving the increased shallow hydrothermal activity.
At 2230 on 3 June visible upwelling of volcanic fluids in the lake produced voluminous steam-rich plumes that rose 3 km above TVI. Significant vog was detected in the caldera and reported by residents in the municipalities of Balete (E of Taal Lake), and Laurel and Agoncillo (both W of Taal Lake), Batangas. Upwelling of how fluids in the lake continued during 4-7 June and steam-rich plumes rose as high as 3 km above the lake and drifted NE and NNE. Sulfur dioxide gas emissions averaged 9,391 tonnes per day on 5 June and 7,680 tonnes per day on 6 June; significant vog persisted over the Taal region. 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).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported continuing unrest at Taal during 25-31 October. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 544 tonnes per day on 27 October. There were 2-16 daily counts of small phreatomagmatic bursts during 25-29 October. The Tokyo VAAC noted that three ash plumes rose as high as 600 m (2,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW and SW during 26-28 October based on SIGMETS (Significant Meteorological statements) issued by the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Six volcanic earthquakes and a three-minute-long tremor signal were recorded during 25-26 October, four periods of volcanic tremor were recorded during 28-29 October, and 64 periods were recorded during 31 October-1 November. Upwelling gasses and hot fluids in the lake were visible early in the week; white steam emissions rose as high as 600 m above the lake on most of the days. 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).
Sources: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC)
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PHIVOLCS reported continuing unrest at Taal during 18-25 October. Daily white steam emissions rose as high as 3 km above the lake and drifted NE, NW, and SW. Upwelling gasses and hot fluids in the lake were periodically visible. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 6,702 tonnes per day on 20 October. The seismic network recorded 0-6 daily volcanic earthquakes and a few periods of volcanic tremor during 20-23 October. Webcam images showed increased activity during 21-22 October with 29 small phreatomagmatic bursts from a vent on the NE part of the lake, each lasting 1-5 minutes long. Some of the events produced 200-m-tall steam-rich plumes and very, short, dark ash plumes that immediately collapsed back into the water. Not all events generated detectable signals in the seismic and infrasound records. Ash plumes rose to 600 m (2,000 ft) a.s.l. on 21 October and drifted W according to the Tokyo VAAC. Two small phreatomagmatic bursts, each lasting 6-7 minutes long were recorded during 22-23 October. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 1,403 tonnes per day on 24 October. Ground deformation measurements continued to show slight inflation in the western half of the caldera and deflation in the eastern half. 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).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported continuing unrest at Taal during 11-18 October. Upwelling gasses and hot fluids in the lake continued to be visible almost daily, and white steam emissions that generally rose as high as 1.5 km above the lake drifted in variable directions. Low-level background tremor and 1-9 daily volcanic earthquakes were recorded during 11-14 October. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 3,882 tonnes per day on 13 October. Activity increased during 14-15 October with six small phreatomagmatic bursts, each lasting 1-2 minutes long, and 26 volcanic earthquakes. Steam-and-gas plumes rose as high as 2.4 km and drifted NE and SE. Based on SIGMETS (Significant Meteorological statements) issued by the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Tokyo VAAC reported that during 14-15 October three ash plumes rose as high as 600 m (2,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW. During 15-16 October one phreatomagmatic burst was recorded along with 12 volcanic earthquakes and nine periods of volcanic tremor, each 2-70 minutes long. Six periods of volcanic tremor, totaling almost 4.5 hours, were detected during 16-17 October, and sulfur dioxide emissions were 4,422 tonnes per day on 17 October. Ground deformation measurements continued to show slight inflation in the western half of the caldera and deflation in the eastern half. 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).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported continuing unrest at Taal during 5-11 October. Upwelling gasses and hot fluids in the lake continued to be visible. A small, three-minute-long phreatomagmatic burst occurred on 5 October; according to the Washington VAAC an ash plume rose to 600 m (2,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW. White steam emissions rose 900 m above the lake, though during 10-11 October plumes rose as high as 2.4 km. 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).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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In a special advisory, PHIVOLCS reported that sulfur dioxide emissions at Taal were as high as 10,718 tonnes per day on 29 September, creating a significant amount of vog over the caldera. Voggy conditions were reported by residents of Laurel, Agoncillo, and Santa Teresita, Batangas. The report noted that sulfur dioxide emissions had been increasing since 15 July and averaged 6,612 tonnes per day in September. In early August degassing at the volcano increased characterized by the upwelling of hot fluids in the lake and steam-rich plumes rising as high as 2.5 km above the lake’s surface. The Alert Level remained at 1 (on a scale of 0-5), and PHIVOLCS warned the public that the entire Taal Volcano Island was a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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On 25 September PHIVOLCS warned of potential lahars around Taal due to intense rains from a typhoon expected during 25-26 September, with a particular focus on the western part of the caldera where ash deposits could become remobilized and affect the communities of Agoncillo and Laurel, Batangas Province. The report also warned that the ground cracks formed during the 2020 eruption on the NE and SW sectors of Taal Caldera may become enlarged or eroded and cause damage to buildings and houses. The ground cracks were located in the municipalities of Agoncillo, San Nicolas, Lemery, and Taal on the SW part of the caldera, and in the cities of Talisay and Tanauan on the NE side.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that sulfur dioxide emissions at Taal averaged 3,802-6,844 tonnes per day during 9-10 and 12-15 August; a high of 13,572 tonnes per day was recorded on 11 August causing significant vog around the caldera and a sulfur odor reported by residents of Banyaga, (Agoncillo), Poblacion 5, Boso-boso, and Gulod (Laurel), and Poblacion (Talisay). Upwelling volcanic gasses and fluids in the lake were visible, along with voluminous steam-rich plumes that rose as high as 3 km above the lake and drifted mainly NE, SE, and SW. 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).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported increases in both sulfur dioxide emissions at Taal and activity in Main Crater Lake. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 1,289 tonnes per day from May to mid-June, and increased to an average of 4,952 tonnes per day during 15 July-3 August. Sulfur dioxide emissions further increased to 12,125 and 17,141 tonnes per day on 3 and 7 August, respectively, prompting PHIVOLCS to issue advisories. Vog was present over the W part of Taal Caldera during 2-3 August; dense vog in Laurel and Banyaga (Agoncillo, Batangas Province) also damaged vegetation. A sulfur odor was reported by residents of Tagaytay City and Bugaan East. Upwelling gasses and hot fluids in the lake, and voluminous steam-rich plumes rising as high as 2.8 km above the lake, were visible during 1-9 August. Recent low-frequency seismic events and tremor were characterized as above background. 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).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS lowered the Alert Level for Taal to 1 (on a scale of 0-5) on 11 July, noting that during the previous two months activity was characterized by baseline levels of volcanic earthquakes, weak gas emissions, and minor surface activity. Phreatomagmatic bursts from Main Crater were last observed on 2 and 10 February and 26 March. An average of seven daily volcanic earthquakes were recorded during 1 January-31 May, and none were detected after 13 June. Deformation data since January 2020 showed overall deflation. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 1,214 tonnes per day during May-July, though the most recent measurement was 237 tonnes per day. Minor emissions from fumarolic vents in Main Crater continued to produce diffuse steam-rich plumes that rose as high as 2.4 km. PHIVOLCS reminded the public that the entire Taal Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS lowered the Alert Level for Taal to 2 (on a scale of 0-5) on 9 April, noting a significant decrease in activity during the previous two weeks. Sulfur dioxide emissions were high during the first three weeks of March, peaking at 21,211 tonnes per day on 16 March, but dropped on 3 April to an average of 240 tonnes per day; the flux again decreased to 103 tonnes per day on 8 April, the lowest number recorded since unrest began in 2021. During 26 March-9 April only 86 small-magnitude and imperceptible volcanic earthquakes had been recorded, and by 31 March background tremor associated with shallow hydrothermal activity had ceased. Electronic tilt monitoring on Taal Volcano Island, continuous Global Positioning System (GPS) data, and InSAR analysis of Sentinel-1 satellite data indicated continuing deflation of Taal, particularly on the SE flank. Diffuse plumes from the lake had also decreased in frequency, though they rose 600-900 m above the surface during 10-12 April. Sulfur dioxide emissions were below instrumental detection limits on 11 April. PHIVOLCS reminded the public that the entire Taal Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that hot volcanic fluids circulated and upwelled in Taal’s Main Crater lake during 30 March through 6 April, producing plumes that rose as high as 2 km above the lake’s surface and drifted SW. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 265-7,856 tonnes/day during the week. Tremor events persisted daily until 5 April. Three phreatomagmatic bursts from the Main Crater were detected at 1039, 1047, and 1055 on 1 April, based on seismic data and webcam images, which produced plumes 500-900 m tall that drifted SW. PHIVOLCS noted that Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest) means that there has been a magmatic intrusion and evacuation of high-risk barangays is recommended.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that hot volcanic fluids circulated and upwelled in Taal’s Main Crater lake during 24-25 March, producing plumes that rose as high as 2.4 km above the lake’s surface. A phreatomagmatic eruption was recorded at 0226 on 25 March, based on seismic data and webcam images, and produced a 500-m-tall plume. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 6,957 tonnes/day that same day. A phreatomagmatic eruption during 0722-0859 on 26 March consisted of as many as 66 explosions, and prompted PHIVOLCS to raise the Alert Level to 3 (on a scale of 0-5) part way through at 0800. Eruption plumes rose as high as 3 km. Wet ashfall with a sulfur odor fell on Taal Volcano Island, along the Calauit and Alas-as shorelines, and on the lakeshore of Banyaga, Agoncillo, Batangas. PHIVOLCS noted that Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest) means that there has been a magmatic intrusion and evacuation of high-risk barangays is recommended. The Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported that residents of Bilibinwang and Banyaga, Agoncillo and Boso-boso, Gulod and eastern Bugaan East, Laurel, Batangas Province began evacuating that day. Entry onto Taal Volcanic Island as well as the barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel was prohibited. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that by 27 March 2,961 people had been evacuated.
Hot volcanic fluids continued to upwell in the lake during 26-29 March, generating plumes that rose as high as 2.4 km and drifted SW. Phreatomagmatic events were recorded at 0434 and 0504 on 27 March by the seismic network and seen in webcam images, producing eruption plumes that rose 800 and 400 m, respectively, and drifted SW. Three more phreatomagmatic events were recorded at 0930, 0933, and 0946; eruption plumes rose 400-800 m and drifted SW. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 1,140-4,273 tonnes/day during 28-29 March.
Sources: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC); Philippine News Agency (PNA); Office of Civil Defense
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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.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that unrest at Taal continued during 8-15 February, with persistent low-level background tremor, hot volcanic fluids circulating in the crater lake, and daily gas-and-steam plumes that rose as high as 3 km above the lake and drifted mainly SW and W. Sulfur dioxide emissions continued to be elevated, averaging 8,686-10,270 tonnes/day on 8, 10, and 12 February.
Each day during 10-15 February the seismic network recorded as many as 33 volcanic earthquakes, 1-10 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes, and 2-24 episodes of volcanic tremor. One short-lived phreatomagmatic burst recorded at 1616 on 10 February produced a plume that rose 300 m from the lake and drifted SW. One hybrid event was recorded during 13-14 February. Tilt, continuous GPS, and InSAR data all indicated that Taal Volcano Island and the Taal region had begun deflating in October 2021. 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.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that unrest at Taal continued during 1-8 February, with persistent low-level background tremor, hot volcanic fluids circulating in the crater lake, and daily gas-and-steam plumes rising as high as 1.5 km above the lake that drifted SW. Sulfur dioxide emissions continued to be elevated, averaging 7,008-7,902 tonnes/day on 2 and 4 February.
Each day during 1-3 February the seismic network recorded as many as 152 volcanic earthquakes, 114 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes per day, five hybrid events, and 33 daily episodes of volcanic tremor each lasting 1-2 minutes. One short-lived (two minutes) phreatomagmatic burst recorded at 1555 on 2 February produced a plume that rose 300 m from the lake and drifted SW. Two low-frequency earthquakes were noted during 3-4 February and one volcanic earthquake was recorded during 7-8 February. Tilt, continuous GPS, and InSAR data all indicated that Taal Volcano Island and the Taal region had begun deflating in October 2021. 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.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that unrest at Taal continued during 25-31 January, and low-level background tremor persisted. One volcanic earthquake was recorded during 25-28 January. Hot volcanic fluids were upwelling in the crater lake, and daily gas-and-steam plumes rose 1.5-2 km above the lake that drifted SW and NW. Sulfur dioxide emissions continued to be elevated, averaging 10,506-18,705 tonnes/day.
A series of nine phreatomagmatic bursts from the lake occurred between 1550 on 29 January and 0449 on 30 January. Each event was short-lived, only lasting between 10 seconds and two minutes, and recorded as trace signals in the seismic data but as distinct signals in the infrasound data. Each burst produced a steam-rich plume rising 400-900 m. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 4,829 tonnes per day on 30 January. Seismic data during 29-30 January consisted of 31 volcanic earthquakes and 14 tremor events with durations of 1-3 minutes, and during 30-31 January 13 volcanic earthquakes were recorded along with one tremor signal that lasted three minutes. Emissions rose as high as 1 km and drifted SW. 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.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that unrest at Taal continued during 18-25 January. Low-level background tremor persisted; one volcanic earthquake was recorded during 18-19 January. Hot volcanic fluids were upwelling in the crater lake, and daily gas-and-steam plumes rose 0.6-2.4 km above the lake and drifted SW. Sulfur dioxide emissions continued to be elevated, averaging 10,986 and 11,228 tonnes/day on 20 and 23 January, respectively. 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 that boating on Taal Lake is prohibited.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that unrest at Taal continued during 17-23 November. Sulfur dioxide emissions continued to be elevated, averaging 6,643-12,168 tonnes/day. Upwelling hot volcanic fluids were visible in the crater lake, and daily gas-and-steam plumes rose 1-3 km above the lake and drifted WNW, WSW, and SW. Low-level background tremor persisted along with 5-30 volcanic earthquakes per day, 2-4 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes per day, and 1-23 daily episodes of volcanic tremor, each lasting 1-5 minutes. One hybrid earthquake was recorded during 19-20 November and three were detected during 22-23 November. No earthquakes were recorded for a period during 18-19 November. Three short (1-5 minutes) phreatomagmatic bursts were recorded at 0811, 0817, and 0834 on 22 November. The events generated plumes that rose 200-1,500 m based on thermal camera images. PHIVOLCS stated that the events were likely driven by fracturing and gas release from magma beneath the Taal Volcano Island. 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 that boating on Taal Lake was prohibited.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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Three short (1-3 minutes) phreatomagmatic bursts at Taal were recorded at 2339 on 15 November, and at both 0146 and 0254 on 17 November. The first generated a plume that rose 2.4 km and drifted SW and the next two events generated plumes that rose 400-500 m based on thermal camera images. PHIVOLCS stated that the events were likely driven by fracturing and gas release from magma beneath the Taal Volcano Island.
Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 9,448-12,516 tonnes/day during 10-16 November. Upwelling hot volcanic fluids were visible in the crater lake, and daily gas-and-steam plumes rose 0.7-1.5 km above the lake and drifted mainly SW. Low-level background tremor continued to be recorded. During 9-12 November the seismic network recorded 135-223 volcanic earthquakes per day, and as many as 72 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes per day, and 70-180 daily episodes of volcanic tremor, each lasting 1-3 minutes. Three hybrid earthquakes were recorded during 9-10 November. No earthquakes were detected during 12-13 November. Seismicity then increased during 14-16 November with a few periods of tremor (1-3 minutes long), 9-10 daily volcanic earthquakes, and 3-4 daily low-frequency volcanic earthquakes. 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 that boating on Taal Lake was prohibited.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that a series of volcanic earthquakes at Taal began at 0347 on 3 November and lasted for two minutes based on the seismic data; the events were felt at Intensity I in Banyaga, Agoncillo, and Batangas, and the largest event was a local M 2.9. The events were accompanied by a series of four short-lived plumes that rose less than 1 km above the lake. The characteristics of the seismic signals were similar to the phreatic bursts recorded in July. Upwelling hot volcanic fluids were visible in the crater lake during 3-9 November, and gas-and-steam plumes rose 0.9-1.8 km above the lake and drifted mainly SW. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 4,877-19,463 tonnes/day. Low-level background tremor continued along with as many as 111 volcanic earthquakes per day during 2-3 and 5-9 November and as many as 85 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes per day during 2-3 and 7-8 November. There were also 6-40 daily episodes of volcanic tremor, each lasting between 1 and 19 minutes. 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 that boating on Taal Lake was prohibited.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in Taal’s crater lake was visible during 13-18 October, and gas-and-steam plumes rose 1.2-3 km above the lake and drifted in multiple directions. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 6,393-12,611 tonnes/day, though on 15 October the emissions peaked at 23,576 tonnes/day, which was the second highest ever sulfur dioxide gas flux recorded at the volcano. Dense vog spread over the Taal Caldera region was noted on 15 October. Earthquake activity resumed on 11 October after a brief lull that first began on 27 September; 145 events characterized as mostly weak low-frequency earthquakes and volcanic tremor were recorded during 11-15 October. Volcanic tremor persisted through 18 October. 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 that boating on Taal Lake was prohibited.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that sulfur dioxide emissions at Taal averaged 8,854 tonnes/day beginning on 27 September, and peaked on 5 October at 25,456 tonnes/day which was the highest ever sulfur dioxide gas flux recorded at the volcano. On 27 September the number of daily volcanic earthquakes significantly decreased. During 27 September-5 October upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the lake was visible and gas-and-steam plumes rose as high as 3 km above the lake. The report noted that a sudden increase in inflation below Taal Volcano Island was recorded in August. 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 that boating on Taal Lake was prohibited.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that gas-and-steam plumes from Taal rose as high as 2.5 km above the lake during 8-14 September and drifted NE, SE, S, and SW. Sulfur dioxide emissions were 5,246-11,840 tonnes/day during 9-10 and 12-13 September. 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 that boating on Taal Lake was prohibited.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that gas-and-steam plumes from Taal rose 1-3 km and sulfur dioxide emissions peaked at 15,347 tonnes/day on 19 August and declined to an average of 8,351 tonnes/day during 13-19 August. 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).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS lowered the Alert Level for Taal to 2 (on a scale of 0-5) on 23 July, noting that no eruptions had been recorded since the period of phreatomagmatic activity during 1-9 July. Additionally, an overall decrease was evident in multiple monitoring parameters. Sulfur dioxide emissions peaked at 22,628 tonnes/day on 4 July and declined to an average of 4,763 tonnes/day during 8-22 July. Steam plumes continued to be generated from the lake, rising 10-1,000 m, and lake upwelling was generally less vigorous. The DROMIC report stated that 794 people were in evacuation centers or private residences by 26 July. PHIVOLCS reminded the public that the entire Taal Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).
Sources: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC)
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PHIVOLCS reported that unrest at Taal continued during 13-20 July. Daily plumes of steam and sulfur dioxide gas rose 0.9-2.1 km from the lake and drifted in multiple directions. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 1,142-6,574 tonnes/day. Two tremor events, at 1018 and 1038 on 20 July, were felt at Intensity I by residents of Pira-piraso in the NE sector of Volcano Island. The DROMIC report stated that 3,839 people were in evacuation centers or private residences by 20 July. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 0-5) and PHIVOLCS reminded the public that the entire Taal Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and to not enter the high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel. Activities on Taal Lake were strictly prohibited.
Sources: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC)
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PHIVOLCS reported that an eruption at Taal continued during 7-13 July. A series of short-lived phreatomagmatic explosions were recorded at 0518, 0847, 0915, 0926, 1156, and 2141 on 7 July and jetted ash plumes as high has 700 m. Another series was recorded at 0647, 1806, 2121, 2150 on 8 July and 0259 on 9 July, jetting ash 200 m high.
During 7-13 July daily plumes of steam and sulfur dioxide gas rose 1-1.5 km from the lake and drifted NW, W, and SW. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 4,149-11,397 tonnes/day. Low-level background tremor continued with as many as 185 volcanic earthquakes and 44 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes recorded per day. There were also 5-176 daily episodes of volcanic tremor, each lasting between 1 and 97 minutes. The network also detected 2-10 daily hybrid earthquakes during 6-9 July. The DROMIC report stated that 10,408 people were in evacuation centers or private residences by 12 July. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 0-5) and PHIVOLCS reminded the public that the entire Taal Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and to not enter the high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel. Activities on Taal Lake were strictly prohibited.
Sources: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC)
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PHIVOLCS reported that anomalously high sulfur dioxide emissions were recorded at Taal, averaging 14,241 and 13,287 tonnes/day on 28 June and 1 July, respectively. Upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the crater lake produced steam-and-gas plumes that rose as high as 3 km. Vog in the vicinity of the volcano persisted.
At 1516 on 1 July a phreatomagmatic eruption generated a dark, 5-minute-long, Surtseyan plume that rose 1 km above the lake. The Alert Level was raised to 3 (on a scale of 0-5) at 1537. According to news articles and the Philippine Coast Guard, authorities began evacuating residents in Banyaga, Bilibinwang, Gulod, Boso-boso, and Lakeshore Bugaan East around 1700. Four additional short eruptions (less than two minutes) were recorded at 1826, 1921, 1941, and 2020, each ejecting material as high as 200 m. PHIVOLCS noted that TVI is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and entry into the island as well as high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel is prohibited.
More phreatomagmatic eruptions on 2 July, at 1025, 1047, and 1101, jetted material 100 m above the lake. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 10,254 tonnes/day. Vigorous upwelling in the lake was visible in the afternoon, and steam-and-gas plumes that rose as high as 3 km drifted SW and NW. On 3 July steam-and-gas plumes rose 2.5-3 km and drifted SW and NW. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 14,699 tonnes/day, the highest ever measured from Taal. The high emissions and weather conditions again created vog in the area. A news article noted that about 10 children showed signs of illness from the vog.
On 4 July PHIVOLCS issued a special advisory noting, again, a new record-breaking high of sulfur dioxide emissions at 22,628 tonnes/day. A total of 26 strong and very shallow low-frequency volcanic earthquakes below the E part of TVI had been recorded since the beginning of the day. Some of the earthquakes were accompanied by rumbling and weakly felt by fish cage caretakers off the NE shore. Lake upwelling persisted during 5-6 July with steam-and-gas plumes rising 2.5-3 km. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 5,299 tonnes/day on 5 July. The DROMIC report stated that 3,027 people were in 20 evacuation centers, and 2,759 people were in private residences by 6 July.
Sources: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC); ABS-CBN News; Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)
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PHIVOLCS reported that unrest at Taal continued during 22-29 June. Low-level background tremor continued with as many as 10 volcanic earthquake per day. As many as three low-frequency volcanic earthquakes were detected during 23-26 June and 0-3 episodes of volcanic tremor during 23-27 June lasted two minutes to two hours. Upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the crater lake produced steam-and-gas plumes that rose as high as 2.1 km and drifted in multiple directions. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 2,284-5,129 tonnes/day. In a special report issued on 28 June PHIVOLCS warned that public that the high levels of sulfur dioxide, the gas-and-steam plumes rising as high as 3 km above the lake’s surface, and weather conditions had caused vog over the Taal Caldera region. They issued another special statement on 29 June noting that on 28 June sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 14,326 tonnes/day, the highest rate ever recorded at Taal. Voggy conditions persisted, mainly impacting the NE and E lakeshore communities, with some residents reporting adverse effects. PHIVOLCS noted the continuing state of elevated unrest, reminding the public that the Alert Level for Taal remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5). PHIVOLCS strongly recommended no entry onto the island, and access to the Main Crater, Daang Kastila fissure (along the walking trail), and boating on Taal Lake was strictly prohibited.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that unrest at Taal continued during 15-22 June. Low-level background tremor that had begun at 0905 on 8 April continued. One volcanic earthquake was recorded during 15-16 June, and 92 were recorded during 18-19 June along with 10 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes. Between two and 82 episodes of volcanic tremor were detected during 18-19, 19-20, and 21-22 June, with periods lasting as short as one minute to as long as four hours. Almost daily upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the crater lake produced steam plumes that rose as high as 1.2 km and drifted in multiple directions. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 3,007-5,604 tonnes/day. PHIVOLCS noted the continuing state of elevated unrest, reminding the public that the Alert Level for Taal remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5). PHIVOLCS strongly recommended no entry onto the island, and access to the Main Crater, Daang Kastila fissure (along the walking trail), and boating on Taal Lake was strictly prohibited.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that unrest at Taal continued during 9-15 June. Sulfur dioxide emissions reached the highest levels ever detected at the volcano, averaging 9,911 tonnes/day on 10 June. Peak measurements coincided with periods of vigorous upwelling at the Main Crater Lake; the upwelling was continuous from 1800 on 9 June to 1000 on 10 June, producing steam plumes that rose 1.5 km and drifted mainly NW. Residents of barangays Banyaga, Bilibinwang, and Subic Ilaya (Municipality of Agoncillo, Batangas Province) reported throat irritations and observed sudden drying or die off of crops, plants, and trees after a period of rain. Averages on the other days were also elevated at 1,725-5,837 tonnes/day, and steam plumes from periods of lake upwelling rose 1-1.5 km and drifted NE, NW, and SW.
Low-level background tremor that had begun at 0905 on 8 April continued. During 13-14 June the seismic network recorded 13 periods of volcanic tremor with durations from 1 to 270 minutes. During 14-15 June the network recorded 221 volcanic earthquakes, 29 low-frequency earthquakes, and 192 periods of volcanic tremor with durations from 1 to 135 minutes. PHIVOLCS noted the continuing state of elevated unrest, reminding the public that the Alert Level for Taal remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5). PHIVOLCS strongly recommended no entry onto the island, and access to the Main Crater, Daang Kastila fissure (along the walking trail), and boating on Taal Lake was strictly prohibited.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that unrest at Taal continued during 19-25 May. Low-level background tremor that had begun at 0905 on 8 April continued. During 19-21 May there were 2-30 daily low-frequency events, 10-169 daily volcanic earthquakes, and 8-139 periods of volcanic tremor with variable durations (1-37 minutes); no earthquakes were recorded during 22-25 May. Most of the earthquakes were very shallow (less than 5 km deep) beneath Taal Volcano Island (TVI) and the NE part of Taal Lake. Daily upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the crater lake was accompanied by sometimes voluminous steam plumes that were as tall as 2 km. Sulfur dioxide emissions were 2,811-3,611 tonnes/day. Slow and steady inflation of the Taal region was recorded by multiple instruments after the January 2020 eruption. PHIVOLCS noted the continuing state of elevated unrest, reminding the public that the Alert Level for Taal remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5). PHIVOLCS strongly recommended no entry onto the island, and access to the Main Crater, Daang Kastila fissure (along the walking trail), and boating on Taal Lake was strictly prohibited.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that unrest at Taal continued during 11-18 May. Low-level background tremor that had begun at 0905 on 8 April continued, along with 0-201 daily low-frequency events, 2-355 daily volcanic earthquakes, and 0-249 periods of volcanic tremor with variable durations (1-35 minutes); seismicity was the lowest during 13-14 May. Most of the earthquakes were very shallow (less than 5 km deep) beneath Taal Volcano Island (TVI) and the NE part of Taal Lake. Upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the crater lake during most days was accompanied by steam plumes that were as tall as 300 m. On other days fumarolic plumes from vents in Main Crater rose 5-40 m. Almost-daily measurements of sulfur dioxide emissions were 2,214-3,758 tonnes/day, though a peak of 5,179 tonnes/day was recorded on 12 May and comparable to a 13 January 2020 measurement taken when the volcano was erupting. Tilt data showed a minor but abrupt inflation signal on 17 May; slow and steady inflation of the Taal region was recorded by multiple instruments after the January 2020 eruption. On 18 May PHIVOLCS noted the continuing state of elevated unrest, reminding the public that the Alert Level for Taal remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5). PHIVOLCS strongly recommended no entry onto the island, and access to the Main Crater, Daang Kastila fissure (along the walking trail), and boating on Taal Lake was strictly prohibited.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that unrest at Taal continued during 27 April-4 May. Low-level background tremor that had begun at 0905 on 8 April continued, along with 2-26 daily low-frequency events and 5-37 daily volcanic earthquakes during 28 April-2 May. One hybrid event was detected during 28-29 April. Diffuse steam plumes from fumarolic vents in Main Crater rose 5-10 m on most days. Average daily sulfur dioxide emission rates were in the 1,452-3,191 tonnes per day range. Upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the crater lake was accompanied by steam plumes that were 300-600 m tall on 27 April, 30 April, and 4 May. The Alert Level for Taal remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5). PHIVOLCS strongly recommended no entry onto the island, and access to the Main Crater and Daang Kastila fissure (along the walking trail) was strictly prohibited.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that seismicity increased at Taal during 24-27 March. There were around 19-302 volcanic earthquakes recorded daily, except on 28 March, and about 4-243 periods of volcanic tremor with variable durations (1-24 minutes). Four hybrid earthquakes were recorded on 24 March. Low-frequency earthquakes were detected 25, 77, 118, 7, and 16 times on 25, 26, 27, 28, and 30 March, respectively. Diffuse steam plumes from fumarolic vents in the Main Crater rose as high as 40 m. Daily measurements of sulfur dioxide emissions were 837-1,109 tonnes/day. The Alert Level for Taal remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5). PHIVOLCS strongly recommended no entry onto the island, and access to the Main Crater and Daang Kastila fissure (along the walking trail) was strictly prohibited.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that at Taal during 16-23 March there were 36-193 daily volcanic earthquakes and 27-156 daily periods of volcanic tremor with variable durations (1-15 minutes). Three hybrid earthquakes were recorded each day on 18 and 19 March. Diffuse steam plumes from fumarolic vents in Main Crater rose as high as 100 m. Daily measurements of sulfur dioxide emissions were 603-1,184 tonnes per day. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5). PHIVOLCS strongly recommended no entry onto the island, and access to the Main Crater and Daang Kastila fissure (along the walking trail) was strictly prohibited.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that during 10-13 March there were around 51-55 volcanic earthquakes recorded daily at Taal, and about 23-49 periods of volcanic tremor with variable durations. One hybrid earthquake was recorded during 11-12 March. Diffuse steam plumes from fumarolic vents in Main Crater rose only 5 m. Sulfur dioxide emissions were 1,327 tonnes per day on 10 March, and fluctuated between 518 and 795 tonnes per day through 14 March. At 1411 on 12 March a short-lived (2.5 minutes) burst of steam-rich gas from Main Crater generated white plumes that rose 400-500 m. Diffuse steam plumes rose 50 m above fumarolic vents on the inner N and E walls during the rest of the day.
The number of volcanic earthquakes per day rose to 74 during 13-14 March and to 252 during 15-16 March. Episodes of tremor persisted, with 17-46 periods recorded per day. Five hybrid events were detected during 14-15 March. An episode of high-temperature gas upwelling to the crater lake’s surface occurred during 1830-2045 on 14 March. Sulfur dioxide emissions were 1,216 tonnes per day on 15 March. Steam emissions rose 10 km during 15-16 March. The seismic network recorded 42 volcanic earthquakes and 34 periods of tremor. The Alert Level for Taal remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5). PHIVOLCS strongly recommended no entry onto the island, and access to the Main Crater and Daang Kastila fissure (along the walking trail) was strictly prohibited.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS raised the Alert Level for Taal to 2 (on a scale of 0-5) on 9 March based on increased activity recorded since 13 February. During 8-9 March the seismic network recorded a total of 28 volcanic tremor events, four low-frequency volcanic earthquakes, and one hybrid event at depths of less than 1.5 km. These events added to the totals of 866 volcanic tremor events and 141 low-frequency volcanic earthquakes recorded during 13 February-9 March. Overall, seismicity over the past month indicated increased magmatic and hydrothermal activity at shallow depths beneath Taal Volcano Island (TVI).
Over the past month minor deformation centered at a source beneath the SE part of TVI was evident in monitoring data, including integrated real-time ground tilt and continuous GPS, daily Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) monitoring, and InSAR. The data also showed slow and steady inflation across the Taal region after the 2020 eruption. Geochemical data collected from Taal’s Main Crater lake indicated a continuous acidification of the water from pH 2.79 to 1.59 between January 2020 and mid-February 2021. Microgravity data was consistent with magma migration. PHIVOLCS strongly recommended no entry onto the island, and access to the Main Crater and Daang Kastila fissure (along the walking trail) was strictly prohibited.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that geochemical data collected from Taal’s Main Crater lake indicated a continuous acidification of the water from pH 2.79 to 1.59 between January 2020 and February 2021. A maximum temperature of 77.1 degrees Celsius was unseasonably high, and carbon dioxide/hydrogen sulfide gas flux ratios were consistent with shallow magma degassing. Tilt data indicated minor deflation around Main Crater, though minor inflation was consistently recorded across the Taal region as indicated by analysis of GPS data, InSAR, and microgravity changes.
A total of 68 relatively weak tremor signals were detected during 13-15 February; 50 of those were recorded during 0500-1500 on 15 February. The events on 15 February ranged in duration from two to five minutes and occurred at depths less than 1 km. The depth and location of the earthquakes suggested increased hydrothermal activity beneath Taal Volcano Island. Increased seismic activity continued through 16 February; from 0800 on 15 February to 0800 on 16 February there were a total of 98 earthquakes. The Alert Level remained at 1 (on a scale of 0-5) and PHIVOLCS strongly recommended no entry onto the island, and the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure (along the walking trail) was strictly prohibited.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that during 8-9 April steam plumes rose 100-300 m above the Taal’s main vent and drifted SW. Weak steaming (plumes up to 20 m high) from ground cracks was visible during 8-14 April along the Daang Kastila trail which connects the N part of Volcano Island to the N part of the main crater. PHIVOLCS had lowered the Alert Level to 1 (on a scale of 0-5) on 19 March and recommended no entry onto Volcano Island, the area defined as the Permanent Danger Zone.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that during 11-17 March weak steam plumes at Taal rose 50-100 m above Volcano Island lake and drifted SW and NE. According to the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) there were a total of 4,131 people in 11 evacuation centers, and an additional 17,563 displaced people were staying at other locations as of 11 March. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5) and PHIVOLCS recommended no entry onto Volcano Island, the area defined as the Permanent Danger Zone.
Sources: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC)
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PHIVOLCS reported that during 4-10 March weak steam plumes rose 50-100 m above Taal’s Volcano Island lake and drifted SW and NE; moderate steam plumes rose 300-500 m and drifted SW during 8-9 March. According to the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) there were a total of 4,212 people in 11 evacuation centers, and an additional 32,631 people were staying at other locations as of 6 March. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5) and PHIVOLCS recommended no entry onto Volcano Island, the area defined as the Permanent Danger Zone.
Sources: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC)
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PHIVOLCS reported that during 26 February-2 March steam plumes rose 50-300 m above the vent and drifted SW and NE. According to the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) there were a total of 4,314 people in 12 evacuation centers, and an additional 132,931 people were staying at other locations as of 3 March. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5) and PHIVOLCS recommended no entry onto Volcano Island, the area defined as the Permanent Danger Zone.
Sources: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC)
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PHIVOLCS reported that during 19-24 February steam plumes rose 50-100 m above the vent and drifted SW. Sulfur dioxide emissions were below detectable limits during 19-20 February. According to the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) there were a total of 4,113 people in 15 evacuation centers, and an additional 191,451 people were staying at other locations as of 25 February. PHIVOLCS recommended no entry onto Volcano Island, the area defined as the Permanent Danger Zone.
Sources: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC)
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On 14 February PHIVOLCS lowered the Alert Level for Taal to 2 (on a scale of 0-5) noting a decline in the number of volcanic earthquakes, stabilizing ground deformation of the caldera and Volcano Island, and diffuse steam-and-gas emission that continued to rise no higher than 300 m above the main vent during the past three weeks. During 14-18 February sulfur dioxide emissions ranged from values below detectable limits to a high of 58 tonnes per day (on 16 February). According to the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) there were a total of 5,321 people in 21 evacuation centers, and an additional 195,987 people were staying at other locations as of 19 February. PHIVOLCS recommended no entry onto Volcano Island.
Sources: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC)
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PHIVOLCS reported that whitish steam plumes rose as high as 300 m above Taal’s main vent during 5-11 February and drifted SW. Sulfur dioxide emissions ranged from values below detectable limits to a high of 116 tonnes per day (on 8 February). Weak steaming (plumes 10-20 m high) from ground cracks was visible along the Daang Kastila trail which connects the N part of Volcano Island to the N part of the main crater. According to the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) there were a total of 17,088 people in 110 evacuation centers, and an additional 211,729 people were staying at other locations as of 10 February. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 0-5) and PHIVOLCS recommended no entry onto Volcano Island and Taal Lake, nor into towns W of the island within a 7-km radius.
Sources: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC)
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PHIVOLCS reported that whitish steam plumes rose as high as 800 m above Taal’s main vent during 29 January-4 February and drifted SW. Sulfur dioxide emissions ranged from values below detectable limits to a high of 231 tonnes per day (on 3 February). According to the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) there were a total of 23,915 people in 152 evacuation centers, and an additional 224,188 people were staying at other locations as of 3 February. The Alert Level remained at 3 (on a scale of 0-5) and PHIVOLCS recommended no entry onto Volcano Island and Taal Lake, nor into towns W of the island within a 7-km radius.
Sources: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC)
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PHIVOLCS reported that white steam-laden plumes rose as high as 800 m above Taal’s main vent during 22-28 January and drifted SW and NE; ash emissions ceased around 0500 on 22 January. Remobilized ash drifted SW on 22 January due to strong low winds, affecting the towns of Lemery (16 km SW) and Agoncillo, and rose as high as 5.8 km (19,000 ft) a.s.l. as reported by pilots.
PHIVOLCS stated that since the 12-13 January phreatomagmatic eruption activity has generally weakened. Both the number and magnitude of volcanic earthquakes declined; by 21 January hybrid earthquakes had ceased and both the number and magnitude of low-frequency events had diminished. GPS data had recorded a sudden widening of Taal Caldera by ~1 m, uplift of the NW sector by ~20 cm, and subsidence of the SW part of Volcano Island by ~1 m just after the main eruption phase. The rate of the deformation patterns was smaller during 15-22 January, and generally corroborated by field observations; Taal Lake had receded about 30 cm by 25 January but about 2.5 m of lakewater recession (due to uplift) was observed around the SW portion of the lake, near the Pansipit River Valley where ground cracking had been reported. The Alert Level was lowered to 3 (on a scale of 0-5) on 26 January and PHIVOLCS recommended no entry onto Volcano Island and Taal Lake, nor into towns W of the island within a 7-km radius. Sulfur dioxide emissions were low at 140 tonnes per day on 22 January but averaged around 250 tonnes per day through 26 January; emissions were 87 tonnes per day on 27 January and below detectable limits the next day. According to the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) there were a total of 125,178 people in 497 evacuation centers as of 2020 on 28 January.
Sources: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC)
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PHIVOLCS reported that the eruption at Taal continued during 14-21 January, though was generally weaker. Activity during 15-16 January was characterized by dark gray, steam-laden plumes that rose as high as 1 km above the vents in Main Crater and drifted S and SW. Satellite images showed that the Main Crater lake was gone, and new craters had formed on the floor and N flank of Volcano Island. Sulfur dioxide emissions were 4,186 tonnes per day on 15 January. Eruptive events at 0617 and 0621 on 16 January generated short-lived, dark gray ash plumes that rose 500 and 800 m, respectively, and drifted SW. Weak steam plumes rose 800 m and drifted SW during 1100-1700, and nine weak explosions were recorded by the seismic network. Dropping water levels of Taal Lake were first observed in some areas on 16 January but reported to be lake-wide the next day. The known ground cracks in the barangays of Lemery, Agoncillo, Talisay, and San Nicolas in Batangas Province widened a few centimeters by 17 January, and a new steaming fissure was identified on the N flank of the island.
Steady steam emissions were visible during 17-21 January. Infrequent weak explosions generated ash plumes that rose as high as 1 km and drifted SW. Sulfur dioxide emissions fluctuated and were as high as 4,353 tonnes per day on 20 January and as low as 344 tonnes per day on 21 January. From 1300 on 12 January to 0800 on 21 January the Philippine Seismic Network (PSN) had recorded a total of 718 volcanic earthquakes; 176 of those had magnitudes ranging from 1.2-4.1 and were felt with Intensities of I-V. During 20-21 January there were five volcanic earthquakes with magnitudes of 1.6-2.5; the Taal Volcano network (which can detect smaller events not detectable by the PSN) recorded 448 volcanic earthquakes, including 17 low-frequency events. According to the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) there were a total of 148,987 people in 493 evacuation centers as of 1800 on 21 January. The Alert Level remained at 4 (on a scale of 0-5).
Sources: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC)
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PHIVOLCS reported that seismicity at Taal began to increase on 28 March 2019 and fluctuated between moderate and high levels throughout the year and into 2020. A seismic swarm beneath Taal began at 1100 on 12 January and a phreatic eruption commenced at 1300. The initial eruptive activity was characterized by increased steaming from at least five vents in Main Crater and phreatic explosions that generated 100-m-high plumes. PHIVOLCS raised the Alert Level to 2 (on a scale of 0-5) and reminded the public that the entire Volcano Island (the main cone of Taal) is in a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).
Booming was heard at 1400 in Talisay, Batangas (4 km NNE, all distances are measured from the center of Main Crater lake). Activity escalated at 1404; volcanic tremor and earthquakes felt locally were accompanied by an eruption plume that rose 1 km. Ash fell in the SSW part of Taal. The Alert Level was raised to 3 and the evacuation of high-risk barangays was recommended. Activity again intensified around 1730, prompting PHIVOLCS to raise the Alert Level to 4 and recommend a total evacuation of the island and high-risk areas within a 14-km radius. The eruption plume of steam, gas, and tephra significantly intensified and rose 10-15 km (32,800-49,200 ft) a.s.l., producing frequent lightning. Wet ash fell in areas downwind, including as far N as Quezon City (75 km). According to news articles schools and government offices were ordered to close and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (56 km N) in Manila suspended flights. About 6,000 people had been evacuated but the number was expected to rise. Residents described heavy ashfall, low visibility, and fallen trees.
Ashfall was reported in a wide area; in a statement issued at 0320 on 13 January PHIVOLCS noted that ashfall was reported in Tanauan (18 km NE), Batangas; Escala (11 km NW), Tagaytay; Sta. Rosa (32 km NNW), Laguna; Dasmariñas (32 km N), Bacoor (44 km N), and Silang (22 km N), Cavite; Malolos (93 km N), San Jose Del Monte (87 km N), and Meycauayan (80 km N), Bulacan; Antipolo (68 km NNE), Rizal; Muntinlupa (43 km N), Las Piñas (47 km N), Marikina (70 km NNE), Parañaque (51 km N), Pasig (62 km NNE), Quezon City, Mandaluyong (62 km N), San Juan (64 km N), Manila; Makati City (59 km N) and Taguig City (55 km N). Lapilli (2-64 mm in diameter) fell in Tanauan and Talisay; Tagaytay City (12 km N); Nuvali (25 km NNE) and Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Felt earthquakes (Intensities II-V) continued to be recorded in local areas.
The eruption progressed to a magmatic eruption during 0249-0428 on 13 January, characterized by weak lava fountaining accompanied by thunder and flashes of lightning. Activity briefly waned then resumed with sporadic weak fountaining and explosions that generated 2-km-high, dark gray, steam-laden plumes. New lateral vents opened on the N flank, producing 500-m-tall lava fountains. Heavy ashfall impacted areas SW including in Cuenca (15 km SSW), Lemery (16 km SW), Talisay, and Taal (15 km SSW), Batangas. News articles noted that more than 300 domestic and 230 international flights were cancelled as the Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport was closed during 12-13 January; some flights could depart in the early afternoon of 13 January. Some roads from Talisay to Lemery and Agoncillo were impassible and electricity and water services were intermittent. Ashfall in several provinces caused power outages. Authorities continued to evacuate high-risk areas within a 14-km radius of Taal; by 13 January more than 24,500 people had moved to 75 shelters out of a total number of 460,000 people within 14 km.
In a bulletin posted at 0800 on 14 January PHIVOLCS noted that lava fountaining continued and steam plumes rose form Main Crater. Fissures on the N flank produced 500-m-tall lava fountains. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 5,299 tonnes/day on 13 January. By 1300 lava fountaining generated 800-m-tall, dark gray, steam-laden plumes that drifted SW. New ground cracks were observed in Sinisian (18 km SW), Mahabang Dahilig (14 km SW), Dayapan (15 km SW), Palanas (17 km SW), Sangalang (17 km SW), and Poblacion (19 km SW) Lemery; Pansipit (11 km SW), Agoncillo; Poblacion 1, Poblacion 2, Poblacion 3, Poblacion 5 (all around 17 km SW), Talisay, and Poblacion (11 km SW), San Nicolas. A fissure opened across the road connecting Agoncillo to Laurel, Batangas.
At 0800 on 15 January PHIVOLCS stated that activity was generally weaker; dark gray, steam-laden plumes rose about 1 km and drifted SW. Since 1300 on 12 January the seismic network had recorded a total of 446 volcanic earthquakes, with 156 of those felt with Intensities of I-V. New ground cracking was reported in Sambal Ibaba (17 km SW), and portions of the Pansipit River (SW) had dried up. Satellite images showed that the Main Crater lake was gone and new craters had formed inside Main Crater and on the N flank. According to the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) there were a total of 53,832 people dispersed to 244 evacuation centers by 1800 on 15 January.
Sources: Bloomeberg; The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC); Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC); Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); ReliefWeb
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PHIVOLCS reported that during the previous 11 weeks, since the Alert Level for Taal was raised to 2 (on a scale of 0-5) on 9 April, the number of earthquakes recorded daily gradually declined, hydrothermal activity abated, carbon dioxide gas emissions decreased, ground temperature and total magnetic field measurements in the main crater showed no significant changes, and deformation data showed no signs of increasing pressure. On 5 July the Alert Level was lowered from 2 to 1.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that field measurements conducted on 24 May at the E sector inside Taal's Main Crater Lake showed that the water temperature slightly increased from 32.5 to 32.8 degrees Celsius, the pH value became more slightly acidic decreasing from 2.83 to 2.67, and the water level increased by 4 cm. During 25-29 May, between 6 and 10 daily volcanic earthquakes were detected by the seismic network. Some of the earthquakes were felt by nearby residents on the SE part of the island. During 29-30 May, 115 earthquakes were recorded. Twelve of these events were felt at Intensity I-IV by residents of Pira-piraso, Alas-as, and Calauit located in the NE, SW, and SE sectors of Volcano Island, respectively. During 30-31 May there were 31 earthquakes noted. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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During 12-19 April, PHIVOLCS reported that between 6 and 19 daily volcanic earthquakes at Taal were detected by the seismic network. Some of the earthquakes were felt by nearby residents on the SE part of the island. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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During 12-19 April, PHIVOLCS reported that between 6 and 21 daily volcanic earthquakes at Taal were detected by the seismic network. Some of the earthquakes were felt by nearby residents. Results of a ground deformation survey conducted around Volcano Island during 5-11 April showed that the edifice was slightly inflated compared to a survey from early February. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5). According to news articles, the number of people that had evacuated from around Taal rose to 1,375.
Sources: Agence France-Presse (AFP); Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that field observations of Taal conducted at the E sector inside the main crater lake on 5 April 2011 showed that steaming at the thermal area was weak. The water level had receded 3 mm and the water temperature slightly increased from 30 to 30.5 degrees Celsius. Since the previous measurement on 29 March, the pH value increased indicating that the water had become slightly less acidic. Gas measurements conducted last January, February, and March yielded carbon dioxide emission values (in tonnes per day) of 2,250, 1,875, and 4,670, respectively.
On 9 April PHIVOLCS noted that after 31 March the number of earthquakes gradually rose and the depths become more shallow (1-4 km). Steaming at the N and NE sides of the main crater occasionally intensified and was occasionally accompanied by hissing sounds. The Alert Level was raised to 2 (on a scale of 0-5) because of increased seismicity and carbon dioxide emissions. PHIVOLCS warned tourists and residents to avoid Volcano Island. According to news articles, about 100 families had volunteered to evacuate; about 7,000 people remained.
Sources: Philippine Daily Inquirer; Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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During 25-27 and 29-30 January, PHIVOLCS reported that up to six volcanic earthquakes at Taal were detected daily by the seismic network. Field observations during 23-25 January revealed an increase in the number of steaming vents inside Main Crater and a drop in the lake level. The lake water temperature and pH values were normal. Visual observations on 27 January showed that steaming at a thermal area in the crater was weak. The Alert Level remained at 1 (on a scale of 0-5).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that field observations of Taal on 18 January revealed steam rising from the thermal area inside the Main Crater. Temperature and acidity of the lake were at normal levels, and the color had not changed. During 18-25 January, up to seven daily volcanic earthquakes were detected by the seismic network. The Alert Level remained at 1 (on a scale of 0-5).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported that a deformation survey of Taal conducted in December 2010 showed slight inflation as compared to a survey conducted in September 2010. Field observations on 10 January revealed no significant changes. Weak steaming from a thermal area inside the main crater was noted and the lake temperature and color were normal. During 15-16 January 10 volcanic earthquakes were detected; two earthquakes were felt by residents in barangay (neighborhood) Pira-piraso, on the N side of the island. On 17 January three volcanic earthquakes were detected and on 18 January only one was reported. The Alert Level remained at 1 (on a scale of 0-5).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported observations during the previous eight weeks after the Alert Level for Taal was raised to 2 (scale is 0-5, with 0 referring to No Alert status) on 8 June. Temperature measurements of the main crater lake did not increase further since 8 June, remaining between 330 and 340 degrees Celsius. The number of earthquakes recorded daily gradually declined to background levels beginning the second week of July. Hydrothermal activity in the N and NE sides of the main crater and Daang Kastila also decreased. Precise leveling measurements conducted during 13-21 July along the NE, SE, and SW flanks detected minimal inflation. On 2 August, PHIVOLCS lowered the Alert Level to 1.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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On 8 June, PHIVOLCS raised the Alert Level for Taal to 2 (scale is 0-5, 0 referring to No Alert status) due to changes in several monitored parameters, starting in late April. Since 26 April the number of earthquakes per day continued to increase, as well as the magnitude. Low-frequency volcanic earthquakes were detected on 2 June, and during the previous day high-frequency earthquakes were noted. In addition to increased seismicity, the temperature of the Main Crater Lake increased from 32 degrees Celsius on 11 May to 34 degrees Celsius on 24 May. Steaming from the N and NE sides of Main Crater occasionally intensified. Deformation data had shown slight inflation since 2004; measurements taken at the SE side of Taal on 7 June showed further inflation by 3 mm.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS reported ongoing seismic unrest at Taal on 28 August. Ten earthquakes occurred; two at Intensity II were felt by residents in the Pira-Piraso village and were accompanied by rumbling sounds. The earthquakes were located NE of the island near the Daang Kastila area at estimated depths of 0.6-0.8 km. Surface observations indicated no change in the main crater lake area. PHIVOLCS warned that the main crater was off-limits to the general public. The Alert Level remained at 1 (scale is 0-5, 0 referring to No Alert status).
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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According to news articles, geysers of muddy water 3-5 m high occurred in the NNE portion of Taal's main crater during 17-21 November. On 24 November, a new episode of 50-cm-high geyser activity and increased seismicity prompted PHIVOLCS to raise the Alert Level from 1 to 2.
Sources: People's Daily Online (China); Associated Press
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PHIVOLCS reported ongoing seismic unrest at Taal on 26 September. During 25-26 September, 29 volcanic earthquakes occurred with five felt Modified Mercalli intensities of II to III. Epicenters were dispersed NE, N, and NW. Approximately five seismic events in a 24-hour period is typical during quiet periods.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
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PHIVOLCS raised the Alert Level at Taal from 0 to 1 (on a scale of 0-5) on 29 October due to an increase in seismicity at the volcano. The seismic network at Taal began to record significant volcanic earthquakes on 23 September. In general, through 29 October the number of earthquakes increased, with a maximum of 13 earthquakes recorded on 15 October. Initial epicenter locations were in the vicinity of Main Crater and to the NNW near Binintiang Malaki and to the SSE near Calauit. No significant changes in thermal and steam emissions were observed. PHIVOLCS recommended appropriate vigilance by the public when visiting the island and noted that Main Crater was off-limits to visitors because of the potential for sudden steam explosions and high concentrations of noxious gases.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
Reports are organized chronologically and indexed below by Month/Year (Publication Volume:Number), and include a one-line summary. Click on the index link or scroll down to read the reports.
Increased steaming from cone area
Card 0041 (09 September 1968) Increased steaming from cone area
The following information was reported in the "Daily Mirror" on 31 August 1968. " . . . the Commission on Volcanology revealed today that Taal volcano's abnormal condition still persists. Arturo Alcaraz, chief volcanologist, said steaming activity has increased considerably on the base and slopes of the cone formed in the last eruption. He also said that the steaming is very noticeable today from several areas of the 1968 lava flow in Kaygabok."
Information Contacts: Boots Rous, Daily Mirror News, Quezon City, Manila.
Increasing seismicity and surface thermal activity
Card 0107-0108 (08 October 1968) Volcanic earthquakes and intensified surface thermal activity
The following report was received on 7 October 1968. The volcanology commission reported last night that Taal volcano had entered another active period that could culminate in another eruption. Seven volcanic quakes and tremors were recorded in a 24-hour period. COMVOL observers on Volcano Island also reported that there was intensified surface thermal activity, confirming that the volcano's condition was abnormal. COMVOL headquarters in Quezon City recommended that precautionary measure be taken particularly the complete evacuation of Volcano Island. Volcanologist Nazario Vasquez reported that instruments have picked up seven volcanic quakes and tremors from Taal's depths, clearly indicating its restlessness. Vasquez said surface steaming, rise of temperature readings in all ground probe holes, and other intensified activity in the main crater lake may all culminate in another eruption.
Card 0113 (09 October 1968) Field and instrumental data indicate renewed activity
The following report was received from the American Embassy in Manila on 8 October 1968. Signs Taal volcano resurgence plainly inferred by existing field and instrumental data. Surface activity at 1968 cone has gained momentum. Despite absence rains for last two or three days which might have brought about condensation steaming and emission sulfuric vapors very strong this morning. In addition, fresh slide scars attest volcano's restlessness as seismicity of island continued. Three more volcanic quakes picked up commissions seismograph; one 1758 on 7 October; another 1915 on 7 October, and third at 1106 on 8 October.
Card 0121 (11 October 1968) Increased seismicity; fresh rockslide at 1968 eruption cone
The following report was received from the American Embassy in Manila on 11 October 1968. Seismic activity again picked up rapidly. For the 24-hour period beginning 1530 on 9 October through 1530 on 10 October. A total of five volcanic quakes were recorded by the COMVOL seismograph on Volcano Island, at 1853 and 2454 on 9 October; and at 0233, 0235, and 1008 on 10 October. Field observations conducted early this morning (10 October) at the 1968 eruption cone disclosed fresh evidence of rock slide, indicating recent movement within the volcano. Chloride and sulfuric sublimate have spread almost throughout NW outer slope of cone.
Card 0122 (11 October 1968) High level of seismic activity returns
The following report was received from the Commission on Volcanology on 6 October 1968. Taal volcano shook more strongly the past 24 hours. The volcano is back to its high-level seismic activity, convulsing five times through Sunday morning. A quake recorded at 0933 on 6 October was big enough to have an amplitude of 17 mm. The usual amplitude of earthquakes at Taal volcano since it became restless again was 4-5 mm.
Card 0130 (14 October 1968) Significant volcanic seismicity; steam emission intensifying
The following report was received from the American Embassy in Manila on 14 October 1968. As of 13 October the surface activity and seismicity were both weak for the last 48 hours. As of 14 October at 1530 the four-day seismic lull was broken by eight volcanic microseisms of appreciable magnitude. Crater lake temperature was decreasing, but steam emission was intensifying, especially at the SW shoreline of the lake.
Card 0138 (15 October 1968) High seismicity and surface thermal activity
The following report was received from the American Embassy in Manila on 15 October 1968. Taal status as of 15 October 1530 hours. High level of seismic disturbance. Intensification of surface thermal activity.
Card 0145-0146 (17 October 1968) Crater lake temperature increases 2.5° in two days
The following news report was received on 17 October 1968. "The temperature of Taal volcano's main crater lake suddenly went up today (9 October) from 36.5 to 39°C, a sharp rise of 2.5°C in two days. The next heat reading, according to volcanologists here, exceeds that recorded in the same lake when Taal volcano erupted in 1966 (36.5°C) and early this year (34.2°C). This is, however, slightly lower than the heat reading of 39.6°C registered before Taal erupted in 1966.
"Assistant chief volcanologist Gregorio Andal expressed fears that pressure and heat buildup from below may increase some more before the volcano erupts for the second time this year. He said, however, that a bigger blast can be reasonably expected to occur because more volcanic energy will be needed this time to throw out tons of earth and lava blocking the exit. 'Conditions similar to the 1965 eruption now exist in Kaigabok' Andal said, pointing out that smaller crater lakes in the same area in 1966 and 1967 have all been covered by earth and lava.
"Volcanologist Pedro Almoradie Jr. and junior volcanologist Conrado Andal Jr. reported the new heat increase in the 1911 main crater lake this morning after making an on-the-spot observation. Almoradie said aside from the heat rise, emission of steam in the southwestern shores of the main crater lake was observed to be intermittent occurring every five to ten minutes. He also said all the steam vents facing Binintian Malaki started emitting more steam and vapor this morning.
"Meanwhile, volcanic tremors from below quieted down for the past 24 hours despite the rising temperature in the main crater lake. The COMVOL said the seismic lull may only be temporary because all other conditions on the island are abnormal. Strict enforcement of precautionary measures under phase on of Operations Taal is now being observed."
Information Contacts:
Card 0107-0108 (08 October 1968) Nazario Vasquez, Commission on Volcanology.
Card 0113 (09 October 1968) Philippine Volcanology Commission, via the American Embassy, Manila.
Card 0121 (11 October 1968) Philippine Volcanology Commission, via the American Embassy, Manila.
Card 0122 (11 October 1968) Alfredo Trongcales, Commission on Volcanology.
Card 0130 (14 October 1968) Philippine Volcanology Commission, via the American Embassy, Manila.
Card 0138 (15 October 1968) Philippine Volcanology Commission, via the American Embassy, Manila.
Card 0145-0146 (17 October 1968) Boots Rous, Daily Mirror News, Quezon City, Manila.
Continued seismicity through mid-December
Card 0288 (13 December 1968) Minor seismicity; eruptive activity anticipated
"COMVOL Bulletin 2300 hours 12 December. Anticipated second activity Taal about to commence. Small but continuing local vibrations recorded by Volcano Island seismograph. If persistent could bring expected eruptive activity."
Card 0316 (15 December 1968) Continuous tremor replaced by spasmodic earthquakes on 15 December
"Taal's surging volcanic pressure, which last Thursday night was manifested as continuous ground vibrations, seems to have been blocked. The continuous tremors have been replaced by spasmodic volcanic earthquakes often associated with crustal deformation. In the last 24-hour period, eleven (11) more shocks of this type were recorded in the COMVOL's seismographs. These developments suggest that the volcano's pent-up energy is trying to punch through and initiate an eruptive activity. As present indications point to a persistent pressure from below, the condition of Taal remains critical and a surface out-break of this pressure is perhaps just a matter of time."
Information Contacts:
Card 0288 (13 December 1968) Philippine Volcanology Commission, via the American Embassy, Manila.
Card 0316 (15 December 1968) Philippine Volcanology Commission, via the American Embassy, Manila.
Eruption of ash and incandescent fragments on 29 October
Card 0810 (29 October 1969) Eruption of ash and incandescent fragments on 29 October
The following is from the Commission on Volcanology via the American Embassy in Manila. Taal eruptive activity commenced at 0615 on 29 October. Point of activity on upper outer southern slope of 1968 cone characterized by weak ejection ash and small fragmental materials at approximately 90-minute intervals. COMVOL visual observation during afternoon showed appreciable increase in amount ash and fragmental red hot volcanic materials and considerable enlargement in diameter of active vent. Increase in trace amplitude of harmonic tremors and explosion earthquake also noted. Night and early morning observations 30 October showed ejection of ash and fragments to heights of 600-700 feet at about 90-minute intervals. Continuing recording of harmonic tremors and observable pulsating vent flows seems to indicate vibration of lava to surface. Eruption is now violent though protracted.
The following is from the Commission on Volcanology via Father Hennessey. Taal Volcano erupted at 0615 on 29 October. Ashes and fragments were ejected up to 900 feet at 90-minute intervals shooting up from a roaring vent about 5 m in diameter. During early hours of 30 October observations show sections of ash and incandescent fragments to 600-700 feet at varying but closer intervals compared to previous observations. Proportion of incandescent material noted increased since yesterday. Continuous recording of harmonic tremors and observable pulsating dense flow seems to indicate that lava vibrating to the surface.
Information Contacts: American Embassy, Manila; Father Hennessey, Manila Observatory; Philippine Volcanology Commission, Manila.
Continued production of lava flows and ejecta; new cone on SE flank
Card 0816 (05 November 1969) Erupting vent has enlarged; ejecta falling on upper slopes
"Lava clots began appearing on 30 October 1969, with incandescent materials being thrown out by the erupting Taal volcano. The bits of molten rock from the surging column of lava are falling on the upper southeastern slope of the 1968 cone.
"The chief volcanologist, Mr. Alcaraz, said that the coming eruption of Taal will not be of steam and ash but will be magmatic or cool lava. The volcano's pulsating magma has been surging with mounting intensity and frequency. The erupting vent has been enlarged and now measures almost 100 m in diameter. Taal's ejecta is being blown upward to a height of 1,500 feet. The lava column may surface in a few days, overflow, and fill the southeastern base of the 1968 cone. A protracted magma eruption might cover the thick lava deposits of the 1968 eruption in Kaygabok."
Card 0820 (10 November 1969) New cone rapidly growing on the SE slope of the 1968 crater
"Taal volcano is rapidly building a new cone southwest of Volcano Island on the southeastern slope of the 600-foot-high crater created by last year's eruption in Kaygabok. The conelet is now about 200 feet high. The cone's lava front advanced further into the 1966 collapsed lake on the Northeast. The lava front is more than 1 km long and is moving at the rate of 1 m per minute. The stream may eventually flow into Lake Taal. The lava, measured by a optical barometer, was found to be 1,160°C. Volcanologists said that harmonic tremors are getting stronger every day. The chief volcanologist, Mr. Alcaraz, said that this eruption is the second in recorded history where the volcano emitted more lava than ashes. The ejecta reached a height of 1,000 feet above the crater, which was widened to 20 m in diameter."
Card 0824 (19 November 1969) Sustained and copius ejection of ash and incandescent fragments; lava flows
The following is from the American Embassy in Manila. "Taal's current uninterrupted eruption entered 4th week this morning with activity still characterized by sustained and copious ejection of ash and incandescent fragmental materials at active vent of imposing terminal cone of 1968 eruption (former adventive cone but now too large for such designation). Ejecta has been primarily vertical but occasionally radial. Yesterday's ejections accompanied by large detonation sounds and blue-tinted gas. Subterminal flows at base in terminal cone continue molten rock discharge at intensified rate to adjacent area. Front advanced into lake southwest of island."
The following is from J.J. Hennessey. "COMVOL reports at 0800 local time on 18 November. Evenings activity was more intense than that observed this morning. Ejecta was primarily incandescent bombs and blocks shot up vertically but at time ejected with a radial trajectory. Near 1730 a black column of ash started to burst out from a smaller vent on the inner western slope of the 1969 crater. This lasted for about one half hour. Lava extrusion continued without let up, the subterminal flow breaking out into four or five cascades over a rift formed by crushed lava near the northern base of the old 1968 cone. Discharge to Lake Taal is likewise continuous."
Information Contacts:
Card 0816 (05 November 1969) Alberto Rous, Daily Mirror News, Quezon City, Manila; J.J. Hennessey, S.J., Manila Observatory, Manila.
Card 0820 (10 November 1969) Philippine Commission on Volcanology; J. J. Hennessey, S.J., Manila Observatory, Manila.
Card 0824 (19 November 1969) American Embassy, Manila; J.J. Hennessey, S.J., Manila Observatory, Manila.
Lava flows continue; new vent forms as activity shifts towards the west
Card 0830 (02 December 1969) Intense steam emission continues; lava flows advance; new vent
"The old eastern vent of the terminal cone belches noxious blue fumes continuously. From both the eastern and western vents a faint glow and a profuse steaming are observed. The Kaygabok and Alas-as lava fronts, fed by molten rocks flowing through tunnels underneath the crusted lava surface, continue to fan out very slowly lakewards. The easternmost lobe at Kaygabok has moved no less than 2 m in two days.
"Voluminous emission of steam characterized the eruption surface manifestation as Taal's eruption entered its 27th day. Intense steam emissions were concentrated in the western vent of the terminal cone and the former crater of the 1968 cone, now covered by new pyroclastic materials deposited by the current eruption.
"A new vent of the northwestern upper slope of the 1969 cone has been formed. Sustained ejection of steam, ash, and small amounts of larger incandescent volcanic materials from the new active vent have enlarged the crater and reduced the height of the terminal cone to a few meters. The spiraling brownish-grey ash clouds soar 4,000 feet, then accumulate at a higher altitude before drifting southwest. Comparatively stronger ejections are punctuated by weak and muffled roaring sounds."
Card 0834 (09 December 1969) Signs that activity may shift to a new submarine vent in Lake Taal
The possibility of a new eruption occurring beneath Lake Taal or near Mt. Binintiang Munti, southwest of volcano island, has increased. The shifting of the site of the volcano's activity and signs of an approaching eruption forced COMVOL to enlarge the danger area to include villages on the lake's western shore. The COMVOL said that there were indications that the volcano was nearing a "critical phase" of its activity. Observed were: 1) A noticeable upliftment of the ground in the vicinity of Binintiang Munti on volcano island; the ground rose by one foot. 2) Bubbling of lake waters on the side parallel to the southwest ridge. 3) Maximum trace of the amplitude of the harmonic tremors emanating from the volcano showed a continuing upward trend, although no surface outflow of lava has been observed. 4) Collapse of the lava front in the area of what was once Kay-gabok village, which was leveled at the height of the Taal eruption. 5) Strong mustard odor from the bubbling point discerned by volcanologists and people living near the island. At the moment, the volcano's activity was reportedly limited to the ejection of incandescent materials and ash to about 1,500 feet.
Information Contacts:
Card 0830 (02 December 1969) Philippine Commission on Volcanology; J.J. Hennessey, S.J., Manila Observatory, Manila.
Card 0834 (09 December 1969) Philippine Commission on Volcanology; J.J. Hennessey, S.J., Manila Observatory, Manila.
Profuse steaming; fresh landslide noted; active rift
Card 1077 (30 December 1970) Profuse steaming; fresh landslide noted; active rift
"The Philippine Volcanology Commission issued the following bulletin on 29 December at 2300 GMT. COMVOL progressive evaluation of the condition of volcano Taal indicates that it has remained critically serious as visual and instrumental observations continue. COMVOL will issue the next bulletin after today's visual observation of the volcano's geologically active southwestern rift. Manila time 30 December gives COMVOL report for 29 December. An intensity 2 quake rocked Taal volcano at 0829 today and steam came out in the Kaygabok eruption site along a NE-SW rift leading to the main crater. The team issued the following bulletin. 1) Profuse steaming was noted on the NE upper slopes of the 1969 eruption cone and from a point a little to the NE. 2) A fresh landslide was noted. 3) The temperature of the main crater lake dropped by 1.5°C from yesterday's temperature. 4) The NE-SW rift passing through the main crater is active."
Information Contacts: Philippine Commission on Volcanology; Director, Manila Observatory, Manila.
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Precursors trigger evacuation before explosive eruptions in early September
COMVOL scientists monitoring Taal during late August noted the following signs of increased activity: profuse steaming from the junction of the SW portion of the 1966-70 eruption cone and the western rim of the pre-1965 lagoon (figure 1); visible ground heating at some points above the pre-1965 lagoon; and a rise in the temperature of some ground probes in the area to 95°C. As a result of these observations, the evacuation of several thousand persons from Taal Island ("Volcano Island" on figures 1 and 2) and some lakeshore towns was recommended on 31 August.
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Figure 1. Index map showing the area around Taal, after Moxham (1967). Land area is shaded. |
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Figure 2. Map of Taal Island and vicinity, October 1965, after Moxham (1967). The 1965 explosion crater extends SW from I; the 1966 explosion crater formed immediately to the NW. |
2 September: Steaming increased at the 1966-70 eruption site and at the main crater. The area of steaming had expanded considerably, particularly to the SW. A fissure widened from 5 to 20 cm and lengthened from 50 to 100 m. Seismic activity was low.
3 September: An eruption of steam and ash began at about 0430 from Mt. Tabaro vent, a few meters SW of the site of 1966-70 activity. Eruptions occurred at about 4-minute intervals, producing clouds 1,500-3,000 m high. Harmonic tremor accompanied the activity. Evacuation had been completed at 0400.
4 September: Eruptive activity ceased at 0500. Renewed steam and ash emission occurred between 0900 and 0920 and again at 1300; the latter included some large fragments and produced a cloud 300-400 m high. Harmonic tremor was recorded during eruptions. Brownish ash blanketed the S half of the island to an unknown depth.
5 September: Individual eruptive bursts contained a greater proportion of ash and large fragments than those of previous days. No incandescent material or rumbling was observed. During the morning, eruption periods were longer than the repose periods separating them; by late afternoon, eruptions lasted about 3 minutes, followed by about 5 minutes of repose. Eruptions were nearly vertical with a slight southward component; the resulting clouds reached more than 2,000 m in the morning, but were limited to 300 m by strong SW winds in the afternoon. Late-afternoon rain caused steaming to intensify. Continuous harmonic tremor of 4 mm amplitude was recorded. The new vent was enlarged by coalescence with the adjacent cone.
6 September: Harmonic tremor amplitudes began to increase at 0330 to 3-10 mm. Emission of black, grayish-black, or reddish-brown ash-laden eruption clouds was continuous, accompanied by faint rumbling and occasional brief lightning flashes just above the vent. The eruption clouds, which contained some large rock fragments, averaged 200-300 m, reaching a maximum of 2,200 m in the early morning. Activity had slackened by afternoon, when maximum eruption cloud height was slightly more than 500 m, and the diameter was about 50 m. Lower ejection velocity and light wind caused much of the erupted material to collapse and form base surges at the foot of the 1966 cone. Rock fragments up to 30 cm in diameter produced dust clouds on the 1966 cone by impact and downslope rolling. By 1700, activity was still continuous, but the eruption cloud had diminished to 30 m across and less than 500 m high. Maximum harmonic tremor amplitude had declined.
7 September: Steam and ash eruptions continued, generating a 3,000-m cloud and base surges over the SW flank. Harmonic tremor was continuous and had a maximum amplitude of 5 mm. A new fissure opened, measuring 100 m x 20 cm.
8 September: After a midmorning period of quiescence, a new vent opened a few meters SW of the active vent of the past several days. Ash and larger fragments were ejected to 250 m height. Maximum harmonic tremor amplitude increased to 8 mm.
9 September: The strongest explosion of the eruption produced base surges that moved over the 1965 and 1966 craters. Harmonic tremor amplitudes rose from 5 to 9 mm shortly before the explosion, and reached a maximum of 12 mm during the explosion. By late afternoon, eruptive force had declined, but ash emission was still continuous and voluminous. Strong west winds carried the ash across Lake Taal to its E shore.
10 September: At 2331, incandescent gases and some incandescent fragments were noted for the first time, accompanied by a continuous hollow sound. Steam and ash emission continued.
11 September: Minor fountaining and incandescent ash clouds were observed. Steam and ash emission continued.
Reference. Moxham, R.M., 1967, Changes in surface temperature at Taal volcano, Philippines 1965-1966: BV, v. 31, p. 215-234.
Information Contacts: G. Andal, COMVOL, Quezon City; W. Ward, HQ 13th Air Force (PACAF); D. Shackelford, Villa Park, CA.
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Strong, frequent eruptions with ashfall through mid-October
Activity continued through September and early October.
13 September: Voluminous quantities of steam and ash were emitted, causing ashfalls at towns up to 10 km E of the vent. Harmonic tremor was continuous. Intermittent incandescence was reported during the previous week.
14 September: Strong steam and ash eruptions continued until evening, when activity slackened.
15 September: Activity increased around 0700. Just before noon, a strong explosion ejected rock fragments 150 m above the vent and produced an 1,800-m ash. Ash fell on towns surrounding Lake Taal, up to 16 km E and N of the vent. One mm of ash fell in a 20-minute period and a strong stench of sulfur was noted at the volcano station, 4 km from the vent.
17 September: Ash fell continuously on towns east and north of Lake Taal, frequently mixing with rain to fall as mud. Heavy ashfall and sulfur fumes forced the evacuation of Taal Island, except for a skeleton staff remaining at the volcano station. Many work animals had died and many others were ill, probably because of sulfur-contaminated food and water. Harmonic tremor gradually increased in amplitude.
18 September: Ash and sulfur emission decreased slightly in the evening.
19 September: Diminished activity allowed an inspection on the vent area. The new crater formed on the first day of the eruption was steaming weakly. Most activity was from a 100-m-diameter vent within the 1965-70 cone, on which scattered impact craters a few centimeters to 0.7 m across were present up to 500 m from the vent. Harmonic tremor amplitude had declined. Ash emission weakened further in the evening, with occasional brief pauses. Ash clouds took 2-3 minutes to rise 700 m.
20 September: Continuous eruption resumed in the morning. No incandescence was observed. Harmonic tremor amplitude was unchanged. About 100 people had eruption-related diseases: asthmatic bronchitis, gastroenteritis, respiratory tract infection, sore eyes, and allergy.
21-22 September: The eruption weakened considerably.
23 September: Steam and ash emission increased in intensity, but no incandescence was observed. Harmonic tremor amplitude increased.
4 October: The eruption resumed after a "short lull." Ash clouds rose more than 2,100 m, accompanied by lightning, thunderstorms, and harmonic tremor.
5 October: Ash emission, in black to brownish clouds, increased. By afternoon, heavy ashfall, which forced cars to use their headlights, had deposited 2.5 cm of ash in one town near Lake Taal.
7 October: Continuous heavy ashfall forced the evacuation of five towns up to 16 km E and N of the vent. The eruption was accompanied by hollow sounds from within the crater and by harmonic tremor. Profuse emission of white steam was occurring from the source of the 1968 lava flow. A new step fault was noted near the summit of the vent.
8 October: Ash-laden steam clouds were ejected continuously to a height of 500-600 m, depositing ash around Lake Taal. Activity had migrated back to the elongate main vent. Harmonic tremor amplitude began to increase at 0330.
10 October: A reconnaissance at 1200 noted ejection of coarser fragments, accompanied by hollow reverberations, lightning, and thunder. Ash fell SW of the vent (most ash had previously fallen to the N and E). Ash eruption ended at 1650.
11 October: Activity resumed at 0100 with the ejection of brownish ash clouds, accompanied by harmonic tremor.
Information Contacts: Manila Times-Journal.
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Weak steaming; larger steam plume on 30 October
By 30 October, Taal's eruption had declined to weak steaming, and harmonic tremor had ended. Harmonic tremor resumed at 1925 on 30 October and steam eruptions began at about 2130. During the early morning of 31 October, cauliflower-shaped steam clouds reaching 100 m height were observed, containing only minimal amounts of ash. This activity continued through the day, the clouds gradually decreasing in height and volume. No further activity had been reported by 16 November.
Further References. Alcaraz, A., and Datuin, R., 1977, Notes on Taal volcano prognostics: Journal of the Geological Society of the Philippines, v. 31, no. 2, p. 18-20.
Andal, G.A., and Aguila, L.G., 1977, Prognostic criteria of the 1976 eruption of Taal volcano: COMVOL Letter, v. 9, no. 1-2, p. 1-6.
Information Contacts: Manila Times-Journal.
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Weak phreatic eruption with harmonic tremor
A weak phreatic eruption from the NE portion of the 1976 crater began at 1515 on 3 October, and had ended by 1400 the next day. Brownish to grayish basaltic ash clouds initially rose 300 m, and reached a maximum height of 500 m after a few hours. Activity then gradually declined to strong steaming. The eruption was accompanied by harmonic tremor. Residents of Taal Island were evacuated, and had not returned by late October because of the possibility of renewed activity.
Information Contacts: G. Andal, COMVOL, Quezon City.
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Ejection of voluminous ash-laden steam clouds on 9 November
Taal ejected voluminous ash-laden steam clouds at 1200 on 9 November. The clouds, similar to those of 3 October, rose about 250 m before being blown toward the mainland by a moderately strong NE wind. Ground probe temperatures have increased, and harmonic tremor continued at about the same amplitude. Initial evacuation procedures remained in effect.
Information Contacts: G. Andal, COMVOL, Quezon City.
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Harmonic tremor continues, but no eruption
"The renewed activity of Taal on 9 November resulted in the formation of a circular conelet protruding a few meters from the floor of the elongated 1976 crater. Voluminous ash-laden clouds rose to a height of 500 m with a roaring sound audible on the lakeshore. Bluish fumes were emitted from the NE inner wall of the 1976 crater. Eruptive activity ended by the early morning of 12 November, but volcanic tremor of varying amplitude continued. Tremor with a maximum double amplitude was recorded at 2210 on 24 November and at 0504 on 25 November. The initial evacuation procedure remained in effect in late January."
Further References. Ruelo, H.B., 1983, Morphology and crater development of the Mt. Tabaro eruption site, Taal volcano, Philippines: Philippine Journal of Volcanology, v. 1, no. 2, p. 19-68.
Wolfe, J.A., 1980, Eruptions of Taal volcano 1976-1977: EOS, v. 61, p. 57-58.
Information Contacts: G. Andal, COMVOL, Quezon City.
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Increase in recorded earthquakes; minor deformation
"Recorded earthquakes began increasing 30 October. A maximum of 19 events/day was recorded on 31 October; 5 of the events were felt by residents of Agoncillo, 10.7 km SW of the crater on the W shore of Taal Lake (figure 3). The events were recorded but not felt on the volcano island, the site of historic eruptions in the Taal Caldera. Some residents of Agoncillo also reported rumbling sounds accompanying the earthquakes. Isolated reports of sulfurous stench were unconfirmed. Many residents of Agoncillo and nearby villages described the quakes as having prominent vertical movements, similar to those prior to the 1965 eruption, prompting a few families to immediately evacuate to adjacent villages. These areas were among those devastated during the 1965 phreatic explosion.
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Figure 3. Map of crater lake and vicinity, after Land Use of Taal Volcano and Environs, PHIVOLCS, 1:50,000. |
"Events on 6 November had epicenters on Manalao Point on the W shore of Taal Lake and across the lake from the 1965-77 eruption site (Mt. Tabaro; figure 3). The earthquakes had depths of 6.4 km and suggested ground fracturing beneath the caldera.
"Thermal conditions and steam emissions of the main crater lake and the 1965-77 eruption site remained within normal levels. However, the water-tube tiltmeter on the island indicated a slight inflation-deflation episode of the main crater 20 April-28 October, with the pre-inflation position now being occupied. Likewise, thermal areas near the epicenter have remained unchanged. Lake-level monitoring stations around Taal Lake, some installed only last July, indicate some warping along the lakeshore, a condition that cannot yet be related to volcanic activity.
"PHIVOLCS had installed additional seismic and ground deformation stations to monitor the events. Local authorities were informed and were prepared for any contingencies."
Information Contacts: PHIVOLCS.
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Seismicity abates; thermal activity normal
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.
Information Contacts: PHIVOLCS.
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Seismicity and slight inflation
During a two-week period in mid-August, several small, high-frequency events with average maximum double amplitudes of 2 mm were detected at the Pira-Piraso seismograph station. From 16-22 August, 11 high-frequency events were recorded. Slight inflation was detected by the water tube tiltmeter at the station. Weak steaming continued at the 1965 eruption site. Ground-probe hole temperatures were within normal limits and the lake level remained unchanged.
Information Contacts: PHIVOLCS.
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Increased seismicity; main crater inflation
Since July, seismicity at Taal has increased from background level to a maximum of 126 volcanic earthquakes/week, with at least three events recorded daily. Epicenters clustered around the main crater and about 2 km NE (near Pinagulbuan), migrating from 9 to 5 km depth, 18 August-2 October. Precise leveling and dry tilt surveys suggest inflation of the main crater and the 1965 eruption site, while a water tube tiltmeter has measured inflation of the main crater area since May.
Information Contacts: PHIVOLCS.
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Increased shallow seismicity and felt earthquakes; more than 1,000 evacuated
Seismologists and area residents noticed a significant increase in seismicity beginning on 12 March (figure 4). High-frequency earthquakes were recorded each day (to 64 on 25 March), of which several/day were felt (intensities to IV). Seismicity was centered under the E side of Volcano Island, at depths of 2-5 km.
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Figure 4. Daily number of recorded earthquakes at Taal, 10 March-13 May 1991. Courtesy of PHIVOLCS. |
Monitoring of the volcano's main crater lake (1.0 x 1.4 km) revealed that the acidity of the lake water has fluctuated considerably, between pH 2.3 and 3.8. Possible slight increases in water temperature (stable at 30°C in mid-April), a change in water color (from light yellowish-green to dark green), and more vigorous bubbling were also noted.
On 1 April, President Aquino ordered the evacuation of the roughly 4,000 people who live on Volcano Island, and more than 1,000 residents (mostly women and children) had left by the following day. Seismicity remained at elevated levels, and the island was partially evacuated as of mid-April.
Information Contacts: R. Punongbayan, PHIVOLCS; Chris Newhall, USGS Reston; Manila Bulletin, Manila, Philippines.
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Continued seismicity and changes to crater lake
High seismicity continued as of early May, with the daily number of earthquakes varying from 15 to 30 (figure 4). Felt earthquakes reached intensity IV. Acidity and chloride content of the volcano's crater lake continued to fluctuate, ranging from 2.4-2.8 and 9,630-11,720 ppm, respectively. Lake temperature increased slightly from 30° to 31°C, and lake level rose by 4 cm.
On 26 April, strong bubbling and increased steaming were observed in the N sector of the crater and at the base of the wall. Geysering, to 1.2 m height, was also noted near the NNE shore of the lake, where water temperatures of 99°C were measured.
Deformation measurements on Taal Volcano Island have found no inflation or swelling of the volcanic edifice.
Volcano Island has been partly evacuated since 23 March, but a small number of residents have remained, particularly near the PHIVOLCS station at the N end of the island.
Information Contacts: R. Punongbayan, PHIVOLCS.
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Abnormal seismicity continues
Abnormally high levels of seismicity continued as of mid-August. Up to 5 small high-frequency earthquakes were recorded daily 9-12 August. No earthquakes were felt during this time. The main crater lake temperature remained at 31°C. Close monitoring of the volcano continued.
Information Contacts: R. Punongbayan, PHIVOLCS.
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Earthquake swarm, deformation, and new fissures document apparent intrusion; evacuations
A sudden increase in local seismicity began early 14 February, reaching a peak of 385 high-frequency earthquakes recorded between 1200 on 14 February and 0600 on 15 February. Many were felt in 6 towns near the shores of Lake Taal, which fills the 15 x 22 km caldera. The active cone forms an island near the center of Lake Taal. According to press reports, volcanologists observed that water temperature in the island's crater lake (1.0 x 1.4 km) increased by several degrees, and that a bulge and several fissures (up to 400 m long) had formed on the volcano's N flank. A Notice to Airmen was issued at 1445 on 14 February, advising all aircraft to exercise caution and avoid flying over the area. PHIVOLCS elevated the volcano's status to Alert Level 3 on 15 February and authorities began to evacuate island residents. By the following day, >2,600 of the island's 6,000 residents had reportedly been evacuated. Seismicity quickly decreased on 15 February, and only 14 earthquakes were recorded during a 13-hour period on 16 February. Geologists suggested that the activity represented a magma intrusion episode that appeared to have stopped.
A similar episode of increased seismicity occurred in March-April 1991, with as many as 64 earthquakes (25 March) recorded under the E side of the volcano (16:3). Several thousand people were evacuated from the island. Seismicity decreased in May 1991, and no more than five earthquakes were recorded daily in early August . No inflation was observed.
Information Contacts: PHIVOLCS; T. Fox, ICAO; AP; UPI; Reuters.
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Crater lake temperature and seismicity decline
After a brief episode of increased seismicity, deformation, and increased crater lake temperatures on 14-15 February, activity returned to more normal levels. Fieldwork by Univ of Savoie personnel indicated that temperatures of the main crater lake were gradually declining, and that seismicity was near background levels. All measurable deformation seemed to have occurred on 14 February. The Alert Level 3 status, announced on 15 February, was lowered to Level 2, and then to Level 1 in early March. Most residents of Taal island have returned home.
Information Contacts: C. Newhall, USGS.
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Rise in seismicity, deformation, and temperature
Beginning in late February 1994, Taal stratovolcano underwent increases in seismicity, deformation, temperature, and other signs of growing instability. The stratovolcano sits in the center of a 15 x 22 km caldera occupied by Taal lake. Taal stratovolcano, which is sometimes also referred to as either Volcano Island or Taal Island, has a central, 6-km-diameter crater lake termed the main crater lake (figures 5 and 6).
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Figure 5. Map showing the key geologic and geographic features near Pinatubo and Taal. |
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Figure 6. Map of Taal caldera and vicinity with land areas shaded, water areas blank (after Ruelo, 1983). |
Starting on 21 February seismic activity increased from the previous background level of 0-2 events/week to an average of 2-3 events/day. After 22 February, the seismic station located on the N shore of the main crater lake (station MRCZ) detected swarms of small high-frequency events, swarms that went undetected elsewhere, presumably because they had shallow epicenters located close to the station. Seismicity continued to grow; during the 24-hour intervals beginning at 0600 on 13 and 14 March there were 396 and 406 events, respectively. Many events took place at shallow depths (typically shallower than 3 km), beneath the central-to-SW portion of the caldera. Harmonic tremor was also reported, interpreted as due to magma intruding below the stratovolcano's central crater.
Deformation and precise leveling surveys conducted 10-22 February indicated slight inflation of the SW portion of Volcano Island. In mid-March an uplift of 14 cm was measured on the E side of the island; on 13 March both the N and SE sides inflated on the order of 10-20 cm. Around the same time researchers found two newly formed open cracks or fissures. They were approximately 70 m apart on the SE corner of Volcano Island, trending N55°W and N88°W, and were traced as discontinuous segments approaching the basal slopes of the main crater. The fissures had opened 8-10 mm, consistent with inflation of the edifice. Newhall and Dzurisin (1988) referred to extensive NE-trending ground cracks outside the caldera associated with the 1911 eruption.
Temperature measured near the bottom of the main crater lake rose abruptly on 13 February, from 30°C to 50°C, and remained high for about 12 hours before dropping back to 30°C. Eight days later a smaller 4°C rise in bottom-water temperature took place. Sometime during this interval the temperature of surface waters of the main crater lake also rose by 3°C. Temperature increases of 1-3°C began on 14 February at most of the ground probe holes in the Mount Tabaro area, on the SW side of Volcano Island (Ruelo, 1983).
On 12 March, data from acoustic sensors located about 25 m above the bottom of the main crater lake showed a significant increase in bubbling activity, which declined slightly the next day. The increased bubbling suggests significantly higher pressure beneath the stratovolcano, consistent with the postulated shallow magma chamber.
In response to growing instability PHIVOLCS elevated their alert status to Alert Level 3 on 11 March, suggesting that eruptive activity could occur within a period of weeks. In concert with the newly elevated alert level, the Manila Flight Information office issued a volcanic ash advisory in a NOTAM (Notice To Airmen, a notice to the aviation and meteorological communities) to avoid flying over the volcano. PHIVOLCS maintained Alert Level 3 as of the last available report on 15 March. They also mentioned "...partial evacuation of Volcano Island as per the recommendation of the Batangas Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council." The evacuations were a common theme in a series of reports by Reuters News Service on the situation at Taal. The reports were unclear, however, on both the number of people evacuated from Volcano Island, and the circumstances of their departure; one report told of hundreds who fled, the other told of thousands who were ordered to flee.
Several of these news reports also stated that some villagers from the island were unwilling to leave their homes. One report said "Farmers staying on the island have rented out horses to tourists from Manila so they can ride to the crater lake to photograph steam rising from rocks around the rim." The same report also said "Many sightseers have flocked to Tagaytay [on the N topographic Margin of the caldera, ~9 km N of Volcano Island], which offers a dramatic view overlooking the volcano." The Philippine president, Fidel Ramos, reportedly visited the volcano and said villagers who had refused to leave their homes would have time to flee if it erupted. These reports highlight the difficulty of establishing firm estimates on both the movement and behavior of people in a volcanic crisis.
Taal's most recent unrest took place in 1991-92 and involved elevated seismicity, deformation, and crater lake temperatures that lasted from several days to months. These conditions did not lead to eruptions. In many other cases, 34 since 1572, Taal did discharge, and in six cases these eruptions led to fatalities. In 1965 Taal ejected an estimated 9 x 107 m3 of material. The eruption had a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 4 and produced a base surge that sandblasted objects up to 8 km away. The volcano monitoring system at Taal has been improved since the 1992 crisis. Improvements include telemetry-linked sensors for seismic, temperature, radon gas, and lake geochemistry. A Japanese refraction seismic experiment recently attempted to delineate a shallow (1-2 km deep) magma chamber beneath Volcano Island that was detected in a similar experiment in 1993.
References. Newhall, C.G., and Dzurisin, D., 1988, Historical unrest at large calderas of the world: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 1855, v. 1, 598 p.
Ruelo, Hernulfo B., 1983, Morphological and crater development of Mt. Tabaro eruption site, Taal volcano: Philippines, Philippine Journal of Volcanology, v. 1, no. 2, p. 19-68.
Information Contacts: PHIVOLCS; Bureau of Meteorology, Australia; Chris Newhall, Univ. of Washington.
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New episode of seismic unrest began in September 2004
The Taal seismic monitoring network began to record significant volcanic earthquakes on 23 September 2004. In general, the numbers of these events occurring through 29 October increased, with a maximum 13 earthquakes on 15 October. Some of these earthquakes were instrumentally recorded with relatively large amplitudes although none were felt by residents on Volcano Island. Initial earthquake locations showed epicenters dispersed in the vicinity of Main Crater, to the NNW near Binintiang Malaki, and to the SSE near Calauit. Surface observations, however, did not indicate any significant change in the thermal and steam emission characteristics of the Main Crater lake area. The increased seismicity is an indication of a low-level episode of unrest, although at this time there is no clear indication of an impending eruption. A series of volcanic earthquakes was recorded on 9 January 2005. Two of these earthquakes, only one minute apart, were felt in Pira-piraso.
PHIVOLCS raised the hazard status on 29 October from Alert Level 0 to Alert Level 1, meaning that there was a slight increase in seismic activity but no eruption is imminent. PHIVOLCS recommend as off-limits the Main Crater area because sudden steam explosions may occur or high concentrations of noxious gases may accumulate. Several fissures traversing the Daang Kastila Trail are also potentially hazardous as possible sites of future steam emission. PHIVOLCS is conducting several enhancements of the monitoring system at Taal with deployment of more seismometers and ground-deformation surveillance equipment. The entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone and permanent settlement is strictly prohibited.
Information Contacts: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Department of Science and Technology, PHIVOLCS Building, C.P. Garcia Avenue, Univ. of the Philippines Campus, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines (URL: http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/).
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Ongoing seismic unrest
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) notified the public on 26 September 2006 of ongoing seismic unrest at Taal. The Main Crater Seismic Station recorded 29 volcanic earthquakes during the 24-hour period from 0600 hours on 25 September. Five of these earthquakes, at 0233, 0234, 0242, 0247, and 0249 hours on 26 September, were felt at Modified Mercalli Intensities II to III by residents on Volcano Island. The earthquakes were accompanied by rumbling sounds. Initial locations showed epicenters generally dispersed in the vicinity of Daang Kastila (NE), Tibag (N), Tablas (NE), Mataas na Gulod (NE), and Panikihan (NW). This seismic activity was notably higher than the usual levels, generally only five or less events detected in 24 hours.
Surface thermal observations, however, did not indicate significant change in the thermal and steam emission manifestations of the Main Crater lake area. The increase in seismicity at Taal reflects a low-level episode of unrest. However, there is still no indication of an impending eruption. Possible precursors, such as increased steam emission, increased temperatures of steam vents at the Main Crater lake waters and adjacent areas are being monitored continuously. The ongoing seismic unrest could intensify in the coming days or weeks so that PHIVOLCS recommends appropriate vigilance by the public when visiting the island.
Information Contacts: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), University of the Philippines Campus, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines (URL: http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/).
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Elevated seismicity, deformation, and hydrothermal activity during 2006
On 26 September 2006, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOLCS) announced ongoing seismic unrest at Taal (a low lying caldera ~ 45 km S of Manila). The Main Crater Seismic Station recorded 29 volcanic earthquakes during the 24 hours after 0600 on 25 September 2006. Five (5) of these occurred at 0233, 0234, 0242, 0247, and 0249 and were felt at Intensities II to III by residents on Volcano Island (figure 7 and 8). These earthquakes were accompanied by rumbling sounds. Initial computations showed epicenters generally dispersed toward northerly locations in the vicinity of Daang Kastila (NE), Tibag (N), Tablas (NE), Mataas na Gulod (NE), and Panikihan (NW).
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Figure 7. A map of Taal volcano indicating the location of components of the monitoring network (seismic stations, telemetry repeater stations, reflector, and various kinds of survey and measuring points). Volcano island (the large island in the N-central part of the caldera lake) is the site of all historical eruptions. Contour interval is 100 m. Courtesy of PHIVOLCS. |
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Figure 8. Photograph taken from the top of the N topographic margin of Taal, looking S across Lake Taal and Volcano Island, 28 May 2001. The topographic high on the far side of the lake is Mt. Macolod. Copyrighted photograph by Franck Landais (provided by Panoramio.com). |
This seismic activity was notably higher than usual, which during quiet periods is generally only five or less events detected in 24 hours. Surface thermal observations, however, did not indicate significant change in the thermal and steam emission manifestations in the Main Crater Lake area. The increase in seismicity reflected a low-level episode of unrest. However, there is still no indication of an impending eruption.
Taal manifested a sustained moderate level of seismic activity since 18 November 2006, characterized by occasional large amplitude volcanic earthquakes. During one 24-hour period, 10 volcanic earthquakes were detected. Ground deformation surveys conducted during 28 November-6 December 2006 revealed the edifice inflated 14.0 mm, suggesting possible magma intrusion. The Main Crater lake water became more acidic since 12 September 2006, and the newly formed mud geyser, which is now merged with the Crater Lake due to increase in water level, continues to be very active. The increasing acidity and hydrothermal activity are probably caused by the injection of hot gases and fluids coming from below the crater floor.
According to PHIVOLCS in its Taal Volcano Advisory of 14 December 2006, the above observations indicated a significant increase in activity although no eruption is imminent. Alert Level 1 continued, making the Main Crater off-limits to the public because of the chance of sudden steam explosions and high toxic gas concentrations.
Information Contacts: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), University of the Philippines Campus, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines (URL: http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph); Panoramio.com, Calle Rosa Zaragoza 8, 03360 Callosa de Segura (Alicante), Spain (URL: http://www.panoramio.com/photo/40914).
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Intermittent non-eruptive unrest during 2008-2010
As previously reported (BGVN 32:01), during the last four months of 2006 Taal displayed restlessness. This report discusses Taal seismicity, deformation, and hydrothermal behavior (steaming, and temperature changes in lake water at Main Crater) that occurred intermittently during 2008, 2010, and 2011.
Taal (also known as Talisay) is a lake-filled, 15 x 20 km caldera located on SW Luzon Island 65 km S of Manila (figure 9). The lake engulfs a large island with several thousand residents, Volcano Island, the place where all historical eruptions have vented (figures 10 and 11). Restlessness described herein was not confined to the area beneath the island.
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Figure 9. Index map of the Philippines showing Manila (the Capital) and several major volcanoes including Taal. Courtesy of Lyn Topinka (US Geological Survey). |
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Figure 10. A map showing Taal caldera and surroundings. Notice that the caldera lies at the intersection of major faults and the topographic margin extends well beyond the caldera lake's margin. Courtesy of NASA Earth Observing System (EOS) Volcanology and their slide set compiled by Peter Mouginis-Mark (University of Hawaii). |
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Figure 11. Photo of the Taal caldera lake and Volcano Island taken from the N in November 1999. Courtesy of NASA Earth Observing System (EOS) Volcanology and their slide set compiled by Peter Mouginis-Mark (University of Hawaii). |
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) announced in August 2008 that seismic unrest continued. On 28 August 2008, ten volcanic earthquakes occurred, two of which were felt and heard as rumbling sounds by residents in the Pira-Piraso village on Volcano Island. The earthquakes were located NE of the island near the Daang Kastila area (below Taal caldera's N rim) at estimated depths of 0.6-0.8 km. Surface observations indicated no change in the main crater lake area. The Alert Level remained at 1 (scale is 0-5, with 0 referring to No Alert).
On 8 June 2010, PHIVOLCS raised the Alert Level for Taal to 2 because of changes in several monitored parameters that began in late April. Since 26 April, the number and magnitude of volcanic earthquakes had increased. Most signals were high-frequency earthquakes, but at least one, on 2 June, was low-frequency. Steam emissions from the N and NE sides of Main Crater occasionally intensified. Deformation data showed slight inflation since 2004; measurements taken at the SE side of Taal on 7 June showed further inflation by 3 mm.
In addition to increased seismicity, the temperature of the Main Crater Lake increased from 32°C on 11 May to 34°C on 24 May. According to PHIVOLCS, the ratios of Mg:Cl and SO4:Cl, as well as total dissolved solids in the lake, all increased. Temperature measurements of the main crater lake did not increase further, remaining between 33-34°C.
PHIVOLCS proposed that the high frequency earthquakes could be the result of active rock fracturing associated with magma intrusion beneath the volcano, and that the fractures could serve as passageways through which hot gases from the intruding magma could escape into the lake.
According to news reports (Xinhua, Philippine Daily Inquirer), the more than 5,000 residents living near Taal were advised to evacuate their homes voluntarily. On 10 June, the Philippine Coast Guard sent five teams of divers and rescue swimmers with rubber boats and medical teams to its forward command post to help evacuate, if necessary, these residents. A news report (Philippine Daily Inquirer), however, indicated that most residents refused to leave without an official order.
The number of earthquakes recorded daily gradually declined to background levels beginning the second week of July 2010. Hydrothermal activity in the N and NE sides of the main crater and Daang Kastila also decreased. Precise leveling measurements conducted during 13-21 July along the NE, SE, and SW flanks detected minimal inflation. On 2 August, PHIVOLCS lowered the Alert Level to 1.
According to PHIVOLCS, seismic activity increased during the first week of September 2010. From 1-27 September 2010, a total of 274 volcanic earthquakes, or an average of 10 events/day, was recorded. However, given that field surveys conducted at the Main Crater and at the 1965-1977 "New Eruption" site (SW edge of Main Crater) indicated no anomalous thermal or surface activity.
PHIVOLCS reported that a December 2010 deformation survey showed slight inflation compared to a September 2010 survey. Field observations on 10 and 18 January revealed no significant changes. Weak steaming from a thermal area inside the main crater was noted and the lake temperature, acidity, and color were normal. During 15-16 January 2011, ten volcanic earthquakes were detected, two of which were felt by residents of Pira-Piraso, on the N side of the island. On 17 January three volcanic earthquakes were detected and on 18 January only one was reported. Between 18-30 January, up to seven daily volcanic earthquakes were detected by the seismic network.
Field observations during 23-25 January 2011 revealed an increase in the number of steaming vents inside the main crater and a drop in the lake level there. The lake water temperature and pH values remained normal. Visual observations on 27 January showed weak steaming at a thermal area in the crater.
Information Contacts: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), University of the Philippines Campus, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines (URL: http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph).Pete Mouginis-Mark, Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology (HIGP) Thermal Alerts System, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Univ. of Hawai'i, 2525 Correa Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA (URL: http://eos.higp.hawaii.edu/ppages/pinatubo/8.taal/?); Xinhua (URL: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english2010); Philippine Daily Inquirer (URL: http://www.inquirer.net/).
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Eruption on 12 January with explosions through 22 January; steam plumes continuing into March
Taal volcano is in a caldera system located in southern Luzon island and is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines. It has produced around 35 recorded eruptions since 3,580 BCE, ranging from VEI 1 to 6, with the majority of eruptions being a VEI 2. The caldera contains a lake with an island that also contains a lake within the Main Crater (figure 12). Prior to 2020 the most recent eruption was in 1977, on the south flank near Mt. Tambaro. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the Philippines reports that over 450,000 people live within 40 km of the caldera (figure 13). This report covers activity during January through February 2020 including the 12 to 22 January eruption, and is based on reports by Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), satellite data, geophysical data, and media reports.
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Figure 12. Annotated satellite images showing the Taal caldera, Volcano Island in the caldera lake, and features on the island including Main Crater. Imagery courtesy of Planet Inc. |
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Figure 13. Map showing population totals within 14 and 17 km of Volcano Island at Taal. Courtesy of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). |
The hazard status at Taal was raised to Alert Level 1 (abnormal, on a scale of 0-5) on 28 March 2019. From that date through to 1 December there were 4,857 earthquakes registered, with some felt nearby. Inflation was detected during 21-29 November and an increase in CO2 emission within the Main Crater was observed. Seismicity increased beginning at 1100 on 12 January. At 1300 there were phreatic (steam) explosions from several points inside Main Crater and the Alert Level was raised to 2 (increasing unrest). Booming sounds were heard in Talisay, Batangas, at 1400; by 1402 the plume had reached 1 km above the crater, after which the Alert Level was raised to 3 (magmatic unrest).
Phreatic eruption on 12 January 2020. A seismic swarm began at 1100 on 12 January 2020 followed by a phreatic eruption at 1300. The initial activity consisted of steaming from at least five vents in Main Crater and phreatic explosions that generated 100-m-high plumes. PHIVOLCS raised the Alert Level to 2. The Earth Observatory of Singapore reported that the International Data Center (IDC) for the Comprehensive test Ban Treaty (CTBT) in Vienna noted initial infrasound detections at 1450 that day.
Booming sounds were heard at 1400 in Talisay, Batangas (4 km NNE from the Main Crater), and at 1404 volcanic tremor and earthquakes felt locally were accompanied by an eruption plume that rose 1 km; ash fell to the SSW. The Alert Level was raised to 3 and the evacuation of high-risk barangays was recommended. Activity again intensified around 1730, prompting PHIVOLCS to raise the Alert Level to 4 and recommend a total evacuation of the island and high-risk areas within a 14-km radius. The eruption plume of steam, gas, and tephra significantly intensified, rising to 10-15 km altitude and producing frequent lightning (figures 14 and 15). Wet ash fell as far away as Quezon City (75 km N). According to news articles schools and government offices were ordered to close and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (56 km N) in Manila suspended flights. About 6,000 people had been evacuated. Residents described heavy ashfall, low visibility, and fallen trees.
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Figure 14. Lightning produced during the eruption of Taal during 1500 on 12 January to 0500 on 13 January 2020 local time (0700-2100 UTC on 12 January). Courtesy of Chris Vagasky, Vaisala. |
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Figure 15. Lightning strokes produced during the first days of the Taal January 2020 eruption. Courtesy of Domcar C Lagto/SIPA/REX/Shutterstock via The Guardian. |
In a statement issued at 0320 on 13 January, PHIVOLCS noted that ashfall had been reported across a broad area to the north in Tanauan (18 km NE), Batangas; Escala (11 km NW), Tagaytay; Sta. Rosa (32 km NNW), Laguna; Dasmariñas (32 km N), Bacoor (44 km N), and Silang (22 km N), Cavite; Malolos (93 km N), San Jose Del Monte (87 km N), and Meycauayan (80 km N), Bulacan; Antipolo (68 km NNE), Rizal; Muntinlupa (43 km N), Las Piñas (47 km N), Marikina (70 km NNE), Parañaque (51 km N), Pasig (62 km NNE), Quezon City, Mandaluyong (62 km N), San Juan (64 km N), Manila; Makati City (59 km N) and Taguig City (55 km N). Lapilli (2-64 mm in diameter) fell in Tanauan and Talisay; Tagaytay City (12 km N); Nuvali (25 km NNE) and Sta (figure 16). Rosa, Laguna. Felt earthquakes (Intensities II-V) continued to be recorded in local areas.
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Figure 16. Ashfall from the Taal January 2020 eruption in Lemery (top) and in the Batangas province (bottom). Photos posted on 13 January, courtesy of Ezra Acayan/Getty Images, Aaron Favila/AP, and Ted Aljibe/AFP via Getty Images via The Guardian. |
Magmatic eruption on 13 January 2020. A magmatic eruption began during 0249-0428 on 13 January, characterized by weak lava fountaining accompanied by thunder and flashes of lightning. Activity briefly waned then resumed with sporadic weak fountaining and explosions that generated 2-km-high, dark gray, steam-laden ash plumes (figure 17). New lateral vents opened on the N flank, producing 500-m-tall lava fountains. Heavy ashfall impacted areas to the SW, including in Cuenca (15 km SSW), Lemery (16 km SW), Talisay, and Taal (15 km SSW), Batangas (figure 18).
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Figure 17. Ash plumes seen from various points around Taal in the initial days of the January 2020 eruption, posted on 13 January. Courtesy of Eloisa Lopez/Reuters, Kester Ragaza/Pacific Press/Shutterstock, Ted Aljibe/AFP via Getty Images, via The Guardian. |
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Figure 18. Map indicating areas impacted by ashfall from the 12 January eruption through to 0800 on the 13th. Small yellow circles (to the N) are ashfall report locations; blue circles (at the island and to the S) are heavy ashfall; large green circles are lapilli (particles measuring 2-64 mm in diameter). Modified from a map courtesy of Lauriane Chardot, Earth Observatory of Singapore; data taken from PHIVOLCS. |
News articles noted that more than 300 domestic and 230 international flights were cancelled as the Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport was closed during 12-13 January. Some roads from Talisay to Lemery and Agoncillo were impassible and electricity and water services were intermittent. Ashfall in several provinces caused power outages. Authorities continued to evacuate high-risk areas, and by 13 January more than 24,500 people had moved to 75 shelters out of a total number of 460,000 people within 14 km.
A PHIVOLCS report for 0800 on the 13th through 0800 on 14 January noted that lava fountaining had continued, with steam-rich ash plumes reaching around 2 km above the volcano and dispersing ash SE and W of Main Crater. Volcanic lighting continued at the base of the plumes. Fissures on the N flank produced 500-m-tall lava fountains. Heavy ashfall continued in the Lemery, Talisay, Taal, and Cuenca, Batangas Municipalities. By 1300 on the 13th lava fountaining generated 800-m-tall, dark gray, steam-laden ash plumes that drifted SW. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 5,299 metric tons/day (t/d) on 13 January and dispersed NNE (figure 19).
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Figure 19. Compilation of sulfur dioxide plumes from TROPOMI overlaid in Google Earth for 13 January from 0313-1641 UT. Courtesy of NASA Global Sulfur Dioxide Monitoring Page and Google Earth. |
Explosions and ash emission through 22 January 2020. At 0800 on 15 January PHIVOLCS stated that activity was generally weaker; dark gray, steam-laden ash plumes rose about 1 km and drifted SW. Satellite images showed that the Main Crater lake was gone and new craters had formed inside Main Crater and on the N side of Volcano Island.
PHIVOLCS reported that activity during 15-16 January was characterized by dark gray, steam-laden plumes that rose as high as 1 km above the vents in Main Crater and drifted S and SW. Sulfur dioxide emissions were 4,186 t/d on 15 January. Eruptive events at 0617 and 0621 on 16 January generated short-lived, dark gray ash plumes that rose 500 and 800 m, respectively, and drifted SW. Weak steam plumes rose 800 m and drifted SW during 1100-1700, and nine weak explosions were recorded by the seismic network.
Steady steam emissions were visible during 17-21 January. Infrequent weak explosions generated ash plumes that rose as high as 1 km and drifted SW. Sulfur dioxide emissions fluctuated and were as high as 4,353 t/d on 20 January and as low as 344 t/d on 21 January. PHIVOLCS reported that white steam-laden plumes rose as high as 800 m above main vent during 22-28 January and drifted SW and NE; ash emissions ceased around 0500 on 22 January. Remobilized ash drifted SW on 22 January due to strong low winds, affecting the towns of Lemery (16 km SW) and Agoncillo, and rose as high as 5.8 km altitude as reported by pilots. Sulfur dioxide emissions were low at 140 t/d.
Steam plumes through mid-April 2020. The Alert Level was lowered to 3 on 26 January and PHIVOLCS recommended no entry onto Volcano Island and Taal Lake, nor into towns on the western side of the island within a 7-km radius. PHIVOLCS reported that whitish steam plumes rose as high as 800 m during 29 January-4 February and drifted SW (figure 20). The observed steam plumes rose as high as 300 m during 5-11 February and drifted SW.
Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged around 250 t/d during 22-26 January; emissions were 87 t/d on 27 January and below detectable limits the next day. During 29 January-4 February sulfur dioxide emissions ranged to a high of 231 t/d (on 3 February). The following week sulfur dioxide emissions ranged from values below detectable limits to a high of 116 t/d (on 8 February).
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Figure 20. Taal Volcano Island producing gas-and-steam plumes on 15-16 January 2020. Courtesy of James Reynolds, Earth Uncut. |
On 14 February PHIVOLCS lowered the Alert Level to 2, noting a decline in the number of volcanic earthquakes, stabilizing ground deformation of the caldera and Volcano Island, and diffuse steam-and-gas emission that continued to rise no higher than 300 m above the main vent during the past three weeks. During 14-18 February sulfur dioxide emissions ranged from values below detectable limits to a high of 58 tonnes per day (on 16 February). Sulfur dioxide emissions were below detectable limits during 19-20 February. During 26 February-2 March steam plumes rose 50-300 m above the vent and drifted SW and NE. PHIVOLCS reported that during 4-10 March weak steam plumes rose 50-100 m and drifted SW and NE; moderate steam plumes rose 300-500 m and drifted SW during 8-9 March. During 11-17 March weak steam plumes again rose only 50-100 m and drifted SW and NE.
PHIVOLCS lowered the Alert Level to 1 on 19 March and recommended no entry onto Volcano Island, the area defined as the Permanent Danger Zone. During 8-9 April steam plumes rose 100-300 m and drifted SW. As of 1-2 May 2020 only weak steaming and fumarolic activity from fissure vents along the Daang Kastila trail was observed.
Evacuations. According to the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) there were a total of 53,832 people dispersed to 244 evacuation centers by 1800 on 15 January. By 21 January there were 148,987 people in 493 evacuation. The number of residents in evacuation centers dropped over the next week to 125,178 people in 497 locations on 28 January. However, many residents remained displaced as of 3 February, with DROMIC reporting 23,915 people in 152 evacuation centers, but an additional 224,188 people staying at other locations.
By 10 February there were 17,088 people in 110 evacuation centers, and an additional 211,729 staying at other locations. According to the DROMIC there were a total of 5,321 people in 21 evacuation centers, and an additional 195,987 people were staying at other locations as of 19 February.
The number of displaced residents continued to drop, and by 3 March there were 4,314 people in 12 evacuation centers, and an additional 132,931 people at other locations. As of 11 March there were still 4,131 people in 11 evacuation centers, but only 17,563 staying at other locations.
Deformation and ground cracks. New ground cracks were observed on 13 January in Sinisian (18 km SW), Mahabang Dahilig (14 km SW), Dayapan (15 km SW), Palanas (17 km SW), Sangalang (17 km SW), and Poblacion (19 km SW) Lemery; Pansipit (11 km SW), Agoncillo; Poblacion 1, Poblacion 2, Poblacion 3, Poblacion 5 (all around 17 km SW), Talisay, and Poblacion (11 km SW), San Nicolas (figure 21). A fissure opened across the road connecting Agoncillo to Laurel, Batangas. New ground cracking was reported the next day in Sambal Ibaba (17 km SW), and portions of the Pansipit River (SW) had dried up.
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Figure 21. Video screenshots showing ground cracks that formed during the Taal unrest and captured on 15 and 16 January 2020. Courtesy of James Reynolds, Earth Uncut. |
Dropping water levels of Taal Lake were first observed in some areas on 16 January but reported to be lake-wide the next day. The known ground cracks in the barangays of Lemery, Agoncillo, Talisay, and San Nicolas in Batangas Province widened a few centimeters by 17 January, and a new steaming fissure was identified on the N flank of the island.
GPS data had recorded a sudden widening of the caldera by ~1 m, uplift of the NW sector by ~20 cm, and subsidence of the SW part of Volcano Island by ~1 m just after the main eruption phase. The rate of deformation was smaller during 15-22 January, and generally corroborated by field observations; Taal Lake had receded about 30 cm by 25 January but about 2.5 m of the change (due to uplift) was observed around the SW portion of the lake, near the Pansipit River Valley where ground cracking had been reported.
Weak steaming (plumes 10-20 m high) from ground cracks was visible during 5-11 February along the Daang Kastila trail which connects the N part of Volcano Island to the N part of the main crater. PHIVOLCS reported that during 19-24 February steam plumes rose 50-100 m above the vent and drifted SW. Weak steaming (plumes up to 20 m high) from ground cracks was visible during 8-14 April along the Daang Kastila trail which connects the N part of Volcano Island to the N part of the main crater.
Seismicity. Between 1300 on 12 January and 0800 on 21 January the Philippine Seismic Network (PSN) had recorded a total of 718 volcanic earthquakes; 176 of those had magnitudes ranging from 1.2-4.1 and were felt with Intensities of I-V. During 20-21 January there were five volcanic earthquakes with magnitudes of 1.6-2.5; the Taal Volcano network (which can detect smaller events not detectable by the PSN) recorded 448 volcanic earthquakes, including 17 low-frequency events. PHIVOLCS stated that by 21 January hybrid earthquakes had ceased and both the number and magnitude of low-frequency events had diminished.
Information Contacts: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Department of Science and Technology, University of the Philippines Campus, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines (URL: http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/); Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC) (URL: https://dromic.dswd.gov.ph/); United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Philippines (URL: https://www.unocha.org/philippines); James Reynolds, Earth Uncut TV (Twitter: @EarthUncutTV, URL: https://www.earthuncut.tv/, YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TyphoonHunter); Chris Vagasky, Vaisala Inc., Louisville, Colorado, USA (URL: https://www.vaisala.com/en?type=1, Twitter: @COweatherman, URL: https://twitter.com/COweatherman); Earth Observatory of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore (URL: https://www.earthobservatory.sg/); Global Sulfur Dioxide Monitoring Page, Atmospheric Chemistry and Dynamics Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA/GSFC), 8800 Greenbelt Road, Goddard, Maryland, USA (URL: https://so2.gsfc.nasa.gov/); Relief Web, Flash Update No. 1 - Philippines: Taal Volcano eruption (As of 13 January 2020, 2 p.m. local time) (URL: https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/flash-update-no-1-philippines-taal-volcano-eruption-13-january-2020-2-pm-local); Bloomberg, Philippines Braces for Hazardous Volcano Eruption (URL: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-01-12/philippines-raises-alert-level-in-taal-as-volcano-spews-ash); National Public Radio (NPR), Volcanic Eruption In Philippines Causes Thousands To Flee (URL: npr.org/2020/01/13/795815351/volcanic-eruption-in-philippines-causes-thousands-to-flee); Reuters (http://www.reuters.com/); Agence France-Presse (URL: http://www.afp.com/); Pacific Press (URL: http://www.pacificpress.com/); Shutterstock (URL: https://www.shutterstock.com/); Getty Images (URL: http://www.gettyimages.com/); Google Earth (URL: https://www.google.com/earth/).
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Phreatomagmatic eruptions during early July 2021
Taal is part of a caldera system located in southern Luzon Island and has had historical eruptions dating back to 3,580 BCE. The caldera is 15 x 20 km contains Lake Taal, with a depth of 160 m, and an island that also contains a lake within the Main Crater. The previous eruption occurred during January 2020 and was characterized by phreatic and magmatic explosions, ash plumes and ashfall, and significant sulfur dioxide plumes (BGVN 45:06). This report covers activity consisting of gas-and-steam emissions and sulfur dioxide plumes during May 2020 through September 2021, including a new phreatomagmatic eruption during 1-9 July 2021 using reports from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and various satellite data.
Summary of activity during May 2020-May 2021. During May 2020 through June 2021, activity was relatively low and consisted of dominantly volcanic earthquakes, rock-fracturing processes, and weak gas-and-steam emissions originating from vents on the Main Crater and fissure vents along the Daang Kastila Trail. On 29 March 2020 continuous GPS monitoring detected slow inflation on the NW section of the caldera. This inflation was also recorded by electronic tiltmeters in the NW of Volcano Island during the second week of July 2020.
PHIVOLCS reported that unrest increased around 13 February 2021, with continued ground deformation and a higher number of volcanic tremor events (866 were reported during 13 February and 9 March 2021) compared to previous months. Additionally, observations made during mid-February 2021 showed an increase in the Main Crater Lake (MCL) acidity to a pH 1.59, from a pH of 2.79 in January 2020. As a result, PHIVOLCS raised the Volcano Alert Level from 1 to 2 (on a scale of 0-5) on 9 March, which suggests that probable magmatic activity may occur. On 10 March significant sulfur dioxide emissions were measured, averaging 1,327 metric tons/day (t/d). The next day, 11 March, the sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 795 t/d. On 12 March a short (2.5 minutes) burst of gas-and-steam plumes rose 400-500 m above the Main Crater at 1411, accompanied by SO2 emissions that averaged 582 t/d. Diffuse steam plumes rose 50 m above fumarolic vents on the inner N and E walls during the rest of the day. An episode of high-temperature gas upwelling to the crater lake’s surface occurred during 1830-2045 on 14 March.
Daily volcanic tremor and earthquakes continued to be reported with variable durations, accompanied by gas-and-steam emissions. Though the near daily SO2 measurements were variable, there was a notable increase in emissions beginning in early April; the highest average was 7,576 t/d on 30 May. Upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the crater lake was accompanied by steam plumes that were 300-600 m tall on 27 April, 30 April, and 4 May. On 3 May a gas-and-steam plume rose 500 m above the Main Crater Lake. A strong gas-and-steam plume rose 2 km above the Main Crater at 2300 and drifted SW, accompanied by SO2 emissions that averages 3,051 t/d. Low-level background tremor was consistently detected beginning on 8 April and continuing through the reporting period. Electronic tilt, continuous GPS and InSAR monitoring data showed that deflation was occurring on the island during April through September 2021 while the rest of the region has been undergoing slow extension since 2020.
Activity during June-July 2021. Low-level background tremor continued with frequent volcanic earthquakes, low-frequency earthquakes, and volcanic tremor. Gas-and-steam emissions during June rose as high as 2.5 km above the Main Crater and gradually increasing SO2 emissions reached a maximum of 14,326 t/d on 28 June. Peak measurements coincided with periods of vigorous upwelling at the Main Crater Lake; the upwelling was continuous from 1800 on 9 June to 1000 on 10 June, producing gas-and-steam plumes that rose 1.5 km and drifted mainly NW. Stronger gas-and-steam plumes were also reported, beginning on 28 June, rising as high as 3 km and drifting SW, SE, and NNW. Voggy conditions were also reported impacting the NE and E lakeshore communities; some of the residents reported adverse effects as a result.
On 1 July at 1516 a dark gray phreatomagmatic plume rose 1 km above the lake, continuing for about 5 minutes, prompting PHIVOLCS to raise the Volcano Alert Level from 2 to 3 at 1537 (figure 22). The explosion followed strong SO2 emissions on 28 June and 1 July (14,241 and 13,287 t/d, respectively). According to the Philippine Coast Guard, authorities evacuated residents in Banyaga, Bilibinwang, Gulod, Boso-boso, and Lakeshore Bugaan East due to the rise in the VAL. Successive phreatomagmatic events lasting no longer than two minutes each were detected at 1826, 1921, 1941, and 2020, producing jetted plumes 200 m above the Main Crater Lake. During 1-2 July the seismic network detected twenty-nine volcanic earthquakes, which included one explosion, twenty-two low-frequency earthquakes, and two volcanic tremors. Vog was also observed over the volcano and in the surrounding area. On 2 July a series of three short phreatomagmatic bursts occurred at 1025, 1047, and 1101, producing jetted plumes that rose 100 m above the Main Crater Lake. SO2 emissions remained high on 3 July with an average of 14,699 t/d. A PHIVOLCS volcano advisory issued on 4 July at 1615 reported markedly high sulfur dioxide emissions with an average of 22,628 t/d, following 26 strong and very shallow low-frequency volcanic earthquakes below the E part of the island. Lake upwelling persisted during 5-6 July with steam-and-gas plumes rising 2.5-3 km. Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 5,299 t/d on 5 July. A DROMIC (Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center) report stated that 3,027 people were in 20 evacuation centers, and 2,759 people were in private residences by 6 July.
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Figure 22. Webcam image of the phreatomagmatic plume rising above Taal on 1 July at 1516. Courtesy of PHIVOLCS. |
A series of five phreatomagmatic bursts were detected at 0847, 0915, 0926, 1156, and 2141 on 7 July, producing jetted plumes that rose 700 m above the Main Crater Lake; in addition, a brief event at 1718 on the same day produced a gray plume that rose 300 m high and drifted SE. On 8 July another series of five short phreatomagmatic bursts were detected at 0647, 0606, 0921, 0950, and 0259 on 9 July that produced jetted plumes that rose 200 m above the Main Crater Lake. High levels of SO2 emissions continued to be recorded, rising 1.2 km above the Main Crater and drifting NW, and averaging 6,095 t/d on 8 July. According to a DROMIC report, 10,408 people were in evacuation centers or private residences by 12 July. On 14 July an SO2 plume rose 1.8 km above the crater and drifted SW.
Daily gas-and-steam plumes and frequent sulfur dioxide emissions continued; tremor events at 1018 and 1038 on 20 July were felt by residents of Pira-piraso in the NE sector of Volcano Island. The DROMIC report stated that 3,839 people were in evacuation centers or private residences on 20 July. On 23 July at 1930 PHIVOLCS lowered the Volcano Alert Level from 3 (Magmatic Unrest) to 2 (Decreased Unrest). The activity during 1-9 July was accompanied by a total of 1,201 tremor events that ranged from an M 1.8 to an M 4.6; of these, 789 were volcanic tremor, 365 were low-frequency, 27 were hybrid, and 8 were volcano-tectonic earthquakes. Campaign Flyspec data showed that sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 12,161 t/d during the first week of July, which then decreased to 4,763 t/d during 8-22 July. Unrest has been characterized by seismicity, generally declining volcanic gas emissions, and slight ground deformation after 9 July.
During August and September, activity remained low and included volcanic tremor and weak gas-and-steam emissions that rose 5-3,000 m above the crater. Electronic tiltmeters, GPS, and InSAR data continued to show deflation in the region. Sulfur dioxide emissions was a maximum value of 15,508 t/d on 14 September. Vog was also reported over the area during 12-25 August and 29-30 September. During 17-18 August residents reported smelling sulfuric odor in Barangay Buso-Buso and Gulod, Laurel, Batangas and during 19-20 August some residents in Talisay and Barangay Agoncillo reported adverse effects.
Satellite data. Frequent and distinct sulfur dioxide plumes drifting various directions were observed using satellite sensors during the reporting period. Strong SO2 plumes were notable during 27-30 June 2021 leading up to the phreatomagmatic events on 1 July, based on data from the TROPOMI instrument on the Sentinel-5P satellite (figure 23). Similar strong plumes that exceeded 2 Dobson Units (DUs) continued to be visible in satellite data through September (figure 24).
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Figure 23. Consecutive distinct sulfur dioxide plumes were detected at Taal on 27 June (top left), 28 June (top right), 29 June (bottom left), and 30 June (bottom right) 2021 that drifted in different directions, using the TROPOMI instrument on the Sentinel-5P satellite. These strong SO2 plumes led to the phreatomagmatic plume that occurred on 1 July. The plumes shown here exceeded 2 Dobson Units (DUs). Courtesy of NASA Global Sulfur Dioxide Monitoring Page. |
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Figure 24. Strong sulfur dioxide plumes continued to rise from Taal on 7 June (top left), 19 August (top right), 6 September (bottom left), and 28 September (bottom right) 2021 that drifted in different directions, detected using the TROPOMI instrument on the Sentinel-5P satellite. The plumes shown here exceeded 2 Dobson Units (DUs). Courtesy of NASA Global Sulfur Dioxide Monitoring Page. |
MIROVA (Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity) analysis of MODIS satellite data detected occasional low-power thermal anomalies during January 2020 through August 2021, though during September 2020 through July 2021 no anomalies were identified in the summit crater (figure 25).
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Figure 25. Occasional thermal anomalies (red dots) were detected at the summit of Taal during January 2020 through August 2021, as recorded by the Sentinel-2 MODIS Thermal Volcanic Activity data (bands 12, 11, 8A). During September 2020 through July 2021 no thermal anomalies were detected at the summit. Courtesy of MIROVA. |
Information Contacts: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Department of Science and Technology, University of the Philippines Campus, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines (URL: http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/); Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), National Headquarters Philippine Coast Guard 139 25th Street, Port Area, Manila 108, Philippines (URL: https://coastguard.gov.ph/); Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC), (URL: https://dromic.dswd.gov.ph/); MIROVA (Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity), a collaborative project between the Universities of Turin and Florence (Italy) supported by the Centre for Volcanic Risk of the Italian Civil Protection Department (URL: http://www.mirovaweb.it/); NASA Global Sulfur Dioxide Monitoring Page, Atmospheric Chemistry and Dynamics Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA/GSFC), 8800 Greenbelt Road, Goddard, Maryland, USA (URL: https://so2.gsfc.nasa.gov/).
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Phreatomagmatic eruption on 26 March 2022 included 66 explosions that ejected wet ash
Taal, located in the Philippines, is part of a caldera system in southern Luzon Island. Recorded eruptions date back to 3,580 BCE. The caldera is 15 x 20 km and contains Lake Taal, which has a depth of 160 m, and an island that also contains a lake within the Main Crater. Eruptive activity during 1-9 July 2021 was characterized by phreatomagmatic explosions, gas-and-steam emissions, including sulfur dioxide emissions, and seismicity (BGVN 46:10). This report describes activity during October 2021-March 2022 using reports from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and satellite data. Prior to a notable eruption on 26 March, PHIVOLCS described “phreatomagmatic bursts” on 15 and 22 November 2021, 29-30 January, 2 and 10 February, and 25 March 2022; similar events occurred during 27-28 March.
Activity was relatively low during October through mid-November. Frequent volcanic earthquakes and low-level background tremor had persisted since the activity in early July. Gas-and-steam plumes rose as high as 3 km from the Main Crater on 18 November and drifted in different directions. Each day, an average sulfur dioxide flux was recorded and vog was commonly observed around the vicinity. During October, the SO2 emissions ranged from 4,620 to 25,456 t/d, the latter of which was recorded on 5 October. On 30 October as many as 103 volcanic earthquakes and 21 volcanic tremor events were detected. In November, daily sulfur dioxide emissions ranged from 1,727-19,463 t/d, the highest flux occurring on 6 November. On 11 November there were 223 volcanic tremor events that were detected, in addition to 180 volcanic tremor events.
A short phreatomagmatic burst was recorded at 2339 on 15 November, followed by two more on 17 November at 0146 and 0254. The first event produced a plume that rose 2.4 km altitude and drifted SW while the next two events generated plumes 400-500 m high, based on thermal camera images. Three more short phreatomagmatic bursts were detected at 0811, 0817, and 0834 on 22 November each lasted 1-5 minutes; these events produced plumes 200-1,500 m high that drifted SW, according to thermal camera images.
Low-level activity continued during December 2021 and most of January 2022. Frequent volcanic earthquakes and low-level background tremor persisted; as many as 139 volcanic earthquakes and 114 volcanic tremor events were detected on 16 December. Intermittent gas-and-steam emissions rose as high as 3 km above the Main Crater, drifting in various directions. The sulfur dioxide daily flux ranged from 2,684-13,634 t/d throughout December, the highest value recorded on 24 December. Vog was also visible in the surrounding area. During 26 December through 29 January, the seismic network detected no more than one volcanic earthquake, though low-level background tremor continued. During January the sulfur dioxide daily flux ranged from 4,829 to 18,705 t/d; the largest was recorded on 27 January.
A series of nine weak phreatomagmatic bursts detected in the Main Crater between 1550 on 29 January and 0449 on 30 January produced gas-and-steam emissions that rose 400-900 m high, according to visual and thermal cameras. These events lasted between 10 seconds and two minutes and were accompanied by distinct infrasound signals.
During February through March, intermittent gas-and-steam emissions rose as high as 2.5 km and drifted in various directions. Sulfur dioxide emissions ranged from 2,456-10,270 t/d during February, the highest of which occurred on 12 February. As many as 169 volcanic tremor events were detected on 2 February. A phreatomagmatic burst recorded at 1555 on 2 February lasted two minutes and generated a plume that rose 300 m high and drifted SW. Another short phreatomagmatic burst was recorded on 10 February at 1616, based on seismic records and visual cameras, which produced a plume 300 m high and drifted SW within the Main Crater. Sulfur dioxide fluxes were in the 1,140-21,211 t/d range during March, the highest occurring on 16 March. On 22 March as many as 47 volcanic earthquakes and 25 volcanic tremor events were recorded. A phreatomagmatic burst was reported at 0226 on 25 March, according to seismic records and visual cameras; a plume rose 500 m above the Main Crater.
A phreatomagmatic eruption during 0722-0859 on 26 March consisted of as many as 66 explosions, prompting PHIVOLCS to raise the Volcano Alert Level (VAL) from 2 to 3 (on a scale of 0-5) at 0800 (figure 26). Eruption plumes rose as high as 3 km and wet ash that smelled of sulfur fell along the Calauit and Alas-as shorelines, and on the lakeshore of Banyaga, Agoncillo, Batangas. According to the National Disaster Risk Reducation and Management Council (NDRRMC), by 27 March about 2,961 people had been evacuated from Bilibinwang and Banyaga, Agoncillo and Boso-boso, Gulod and eastern Bugaan East, Laurel, Batangas Province.
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Figure 26. Webcam image of the phreatomagmatic eruption at Taal’s Main Crater on 26 March 2022, recorded by the Main Crater Observation Station (VTMC). Courtesy of PHIVOLCS. |
Two subsequent phreatomagmatic events the following day, at 0434 and 0504 on 27 March, produced plumes that rose 400-800 m above Main Crater. On 28 March three phreatomagmatic bursts from the Main Crater were detected at 0930, 0933, and 0946, generating 400-800 m plumes that drifted SW. On 27 March PHIVOLCS raised the Volcano Alert Level (VAL) from 2 to 3 (on a scale of 0-5). The VAL was then lowered from 3 to 2 on 9 April due to the decrease in gas-and-steam emissions and seismicity.
MIROVA (Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity) analysis of MODIS satellite data detected frequent low- to-moderate thermal anomalies during mid-October 2021 through March 2022 (figure 27). A brief pause in thermal activity was visible during early October, and short periods of fewer anomalies occurred during mid- and late December. Some of these anomalies were also detected by MODVOLC using infrared satellite data on 22, 25, 26, 29, and 31 October, 5, 7, 9, 10, 17, 18, 21, 23, and 25 November, 14, 18, 22, and 23 December 2021, 3, 6, 15, 22, 23, 24, 29, and 31 January 2022, 5, 9, 11, 14, 15, 16, and 20 February, and 1, 11, 19, 22, 24, and 26 March. Frequent sulfur dioxide plumes of varying strength were detected in the Sentinel-5P satellite throughout the reporting period (figure 28).
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Figure 27. Frequent thermal anomalies were detected near the summit of Taal during mid-October 2021 through March 2022, as shown by the MIROVA graph (Log Radiative Power). There was a brief break in thermal activity during early October and less anomalies occurred during mid- and late- December. Courtesy of MIROVA. |
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Figure 28. Strong sulfur dioxide plumes were detected at Taal on 2 October 2021 (top left), 19 November 2021 (top right), 11 January 2022 (bottom left), and 16 March 2022 (bottom right). Plumes drifted in different directions and those shown here exceeded 2 Dobson Units (DUs). Courtesy of NASA Global Sulfur Dioxide Monitoring Page. |
Information Contacts: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Department of Science and Technology, University of the Philippines Campus, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines (URL: http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/); The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), NDRRMC Building, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Philippines (URL: https://ndrrmc.gov.ph/index.php); Philippine News Agency (PNA), Philippine Information Agency Building, Visayas Avenue, Barangay Vasra, Quezon City, Philippines (URL: https://www.pna.gov.ph/); MIROVA (Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity), a collaborative project between the Universities of Turin and Florence (Italy) supported by the Centre for Volcanic Risk of the Italian Civil Protection Department (URL: http://www.mirovaweb.it/); NASA Global Sulfur Dioxide Monitoring Page, Atmospheric Chemistry and Dynamics Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA/GSFC), 8800 Greenbelt Road, Goddard, Maryland, USA (URL: https://so2.gsfc.nasa.gov/).
Cite this Report
Small phreatomagmatic explosions in April and October 2022
Taal is a stratovolcano with a crater lake on a 5-km-wide volcanic island within a large caldera (Lake Taal) in the SW part of Luzon, Philippines, about 65 km S of Manila. Since at least 1968, episodes of increased seismicity, elevated lake temperatures, steaming, significant sulfur dioxide plumes, and deformation have been reported, both during and independent of eruptive periods. A series of phreatic and phreatomagmatic explosions began in January 2020, and subsequent explosions occurred in July and November 2021, and January-March 2022 (NSEB 02:10, SEAN 03:02, BGVN 45:06, 46:10, 47:04). This report describes activity during April-October 2022 using reports from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), and satellite data.
PHIVOLCS reported that hot volcanic fluids circulated and upwelled in Taal’s crater lake during 30 March through 6 April 2022, producing plumes that rose as high as 2 km above the lake’s surface and drifted SW. Tremor persisted daily until 5 April. Three phreatomagmatic bursts from the Main Crater were detected at 1039, 1047, and 1055 on 1 April, based on seismic data and webcam images, which produced plumes 500-900 m above the lake that drifted SW.
The Alert Level for Taal was lowered to 2 (on a scale of 0-5) by PHIVOLCS on 9 April 2022, noting a significant decrease in activity during the previous two weeks. Sulfur dioxide emissions that had peaked at 21,211 metric tons per day (t/d) on 16 March, dropped significantly during the first half of April and on 11 April were below detection limits; this was the lowest number recorded since unrest began in 2021. Diffuse plumes from the lake had also decreased in frequency, though they rose 600-900 m above the surface during 10-12 April. On 11 July PHIVOLCS lowered the Alert Level to 1, noting that during the previous two months activity had returned to baseline levels of volcanic earthquakes, weak gas emissions, and minor surface activity.
In May and June 2022, sulfur dioxide emissions increased, then increased more beginning on 15 July. Another significant increase was measured during early August, peaking on 7 August (table 1). Vog, dense in some locations, was present over the W part of the caldera during 2-3 August and caused vegetation damage. Upwelling gas and hot fluids in the lake, and voluminous steam-rich plumes rising as high as 3 km above the lake, were visible during 1-15 August. Low-frequency earthquakes and tremor increased above background levels. Strong sulfur dioxide plumes were detected during the last third of April; none were detected in May or June, a few were scattered in July, about half the days consisted of plumes in August, and intermittent plumes occurred during September and October (figure 29).
Table 1. Sulfur dioxide levels measured at Taal during 15 July through October 2022. Compiled from PHIVOLCS reports.
| Date | Average Value (metric tons/day) | Remarks |
| 15 Jul-03 Aug 2022 | 4,952 | High of 12,125 t/d on 3 August; vog over the W part of Taal Caldera during 2-3 August; dense vog in Laurel (11 km NW) and Banyaga (6 km W) damaged vegetation. Sulfur odor reported by residents of Tagaytay City (12 km NNW) and Bugaan East (7 km NW). |
| 7 Aug | 17,141 | PHIVOLCS issued advisory |
| 9-15 Aug 2022 | 3,802-6,844 | High of 13,572 t/d on 11 August; significant vog around the caldera and a sulfur odor reported by residents of Banyaga, Poblacion (9 km NNE), Boso-boso (5 km WNW), and Gulod (7 km WNW), and Poblacion. |
| Sep 2022 | 6,612 | High of 10,718 t/d on 29 Sep; significant vog over caldera. Vog reported by residents of Laurel, Agoncillo (8 km WSW), and Santa Teresita (15 km SSW) |
| Oct 2022 | 3,882 | Measured 3,882 t/d on 13 Oct; 4,422 on 17 Oct; 6,702 on 20 Oct; 1,403 on 24 Oct; 544 on 27 Oct. |
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Figure 29. Typical examples of strong sulfur dioxide plumes from Taal, shown here on 13 August and 22 October 2022, as detected by the TROPOMI instrument aboard the Sentinel-5P satellite. Courtesy of the NASA Global Sulfur Dioxide Monitoring Page. |
PHIVOLCS reported increased unrest during 5-29 October, with a series of phreatomagmatic explosions (table 2). The explosions were accompanied by volcanic earthquakes and tremor. In addition to phreatomagmatic explosions, upwellings of gas and hot fluid in the lake were typically visible in October, with white steam emissions rising 600-3,000 m above the lake.
Table 2. Phreatomagmatic explosions at Taal recorded during October 2022. The lake is about 300 m above sea level. Data courtesy of PHIVOLCS and the Tokyo VAAC.
| Date | Description |
| 05 Oct 2022 | 3-minute-long burst; according to Tokyo VAAC, an ash plume rose to 600 m altitude and drifted SW. |
| 14-15 Oct 2022 | Six small explosions, each lasting 1-2 minutes; Tokyo VAAC reported that three ash plumes rose as high as 600 m altitude and drifted NW. |
| 15-16 Oct 2022 | One explosion. |
| 21-22 Oct 2022 | Webcam recorded 29 bursts from vent on NE part of lake, each lasting 1-5 minutes long. Some events produced 200-m-high steam-rich plumes and very, short, dark ash plumes that immediately collapsed back into the water. Not all events generated detectable signals in the seismic and infrasound records. According to the Tokyo VAC, ash plumes rose to 600 m altitude on 21 October and drifted W. |
| 22-23 Oct 2022 | Two bursts, each lasting 6-7 minutes long. |
| 25-29 Oct 2022 | Range of 2-16 daily bursts. Tokyo VAAC noted that three ash plumes rose as high as 600 m altitude and drifted NW and SW during 26-28 October. |
Thermal measurements made by MODIS satellite instruments and processed by MIROVA showed numerous hotspots throughout the reporting period (figure 30). The MODVOLC thermal alerts system recorded only occasional hotspots during the reporting period. The number of days with hotspots during April-October 2022 ranged from 2 to 6 (April: 6, May: 3, June: 4, July: 5, August: 3, September: 5, October: 2). During the series of phreatomagmatic explosions in October, only two hotspots were recorded by MODVOLC.
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Figure 30. Log Radiative Power graph of thermal anomalies at Taal during 2022, as recorded by the MIROVA system, showing numerous low to moderate power hotspots during April-October 2022. Courtesy of MIROVA. |
Information Contacts: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Department of Science and Technology, University of the Philippines Campus, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines (URL: http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/); Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), 1-3-4 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8122, Japan (URL: http://ds.data.jma.go.jp/svd/vaac/data/); MIROVA (Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity), a collaborative project between the Universities of Turin and Florence (Italy) supported by the Centre for Volcanic Risk of the Italian Civil Protection Department (URL: http://www.mirovaweb.it/); Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology (HIGP) - MODVOLC Thermal Alerts System, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Univ. of Hawai'i, 2525 Correa Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA (URL: http://modis.higp.hawaii.edu/); NASA Global Sulfur Dioxide Monitoring Page, Atmospheric Chemistry and Dynamics Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA/GSFC), 8800 Greenbelt Road, Goddard, Maryland, USA (URL: https://so2.gsfc.nasa.gov/); Sentinel Hub Playground (URL: https://www.sentinel-hub.com/explore/sentinel-playground).
This compilation of synonyms and subsidiary features may not be comprehensive. Features are organized into four major categories: Cones, Craters, Domes, and Thermal Features. Synonyms of features appear indented below the primary name. In some cases additional feature type, elevation, or location details are provided.
Synonyms |
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| Pulo | Volcano Island | Bombon, Lake | ||||
Cones |
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| Feature Name | Feature Type | Elevation | Latitude | Longitude |
| Balantok | Cone | |||
| Batulao, Mount | Stratovolcano | 693 m | 14° 3' 0" N | 120° 48' 0" E |
|
Binintiang Malaki
Binintiang Malaqui |
Cone | 263 m | ||
| Binintiang Munti | Cone | 60 m | ||
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Macolod
Makulot |
Stratovolcano | 957 m | 13° 55' 0" N | 121° 3' 0" E |
| Makiling, Mount | Stratovolcano | 1090 m | 14° 8' 0" N | 121° 12' 0" E |
| Piro-Piraso | Cone | |||
| Sungay, Mount | Stratovolcano | 620 m | 14° 8' 0" N | 121° 2' 0" E |
| Tabaro, Mount | Vent | |||
Craters |
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| Feature Name | Feature Type | Elevation | Latitude | Longitude |
| Talisay | Caldera | |||
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There is data available for 39 confirmed Holocene eruptive periods.
2024 Apr 12 - 2024 Oct 17 (continuing) Confirmed Eruption
| Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Apr 12 - 2024 Oct 17 (continuing) | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||
2022 Oct 5 - 2022 Oct 29 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 1
| Episode 1 | Eruption | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Oct 5 - 2022 Oct 29 | Evidence from Observations: Reported | ||||||||||||||
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List of 1 Events for Episode 1
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2021 Nov 15 - 2022 Apr 1 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
| Episode 1 | Eruption | Main Crater | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Nov 15 - 2022 Apr 1 | Evidence from Observations: Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A phreatomagmatic eruption during 0722-0859 on 26 March consisted of as many as 66 explosions that sent eruption plumes 3 km high. Wet ashfall with a sulfur odor fell on Taal Volcano Island, along the Calauit and Alas-as shorelines, and on the lakeshore of Banyaga, Agoncillo, Batangas. Prior to that PHIVOLCS described “phreatomagmatic bursts” on 15 and 22 November 2021, 29-30 January, 2 and 10 February, and 25 March 2022; similar events occurred during 27-28 March. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 11 Events for Episode 1 at Main Crater
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2021 Jul 1 - 2021 Jul 9 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 1
| Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Jul 1 - 2021 Jul 9 | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 4 Events for Episode 1
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2020 Jan 12 - 2020 Jan 22 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 4
| Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Jan 12 - 2020 Jan 22 | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 8 Events for Episode 1
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1977 Oct 3 - 1977 Nov 12 (?) Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
| Episode 1 | Eruption | SW flank (near Mt. Tabaro) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 Oct 3 - 1977 Nov 12 (?) | Evidence from Observations: Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 5 Events for Episode 1 at SW flank (near Mt. Tabaro)
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1976 Sep 3 - 1976 Oct 17 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
| Episode 1 | Eruption | SW flank (near Mt. Tabaro) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 Sep 3 - 1976 Oct 17 | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 10 Events for Episode 1 at SW flank (near Mt. Tabaro)
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1970 Nov 9 - 1970 Nov 13 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 1
| Episode 1 | Eruption | SW flank (near Mt. Tabaro) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 Nov 9 - 1970 Nov 13 | Evidence from Observations: Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 7 Events for Episode 1 at SW flank (near Mt. Tabaro)
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1969 Oct 29 - 1969 Dec 10 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
| Episode 1 | Eruption | SW flank (near Mt. Tabaro) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 Oct 29 - 1969 Dec 10 | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 10 Events for Episode 1 at SW flank (near Mt. Tabaro)
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1968 Jan 31 - 1968 Apr 2 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
| Episode 1 | Eruption | SW flank (near Mt. Tabaro) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 Jan 31 - 1968 Apr 2 | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 8 Events for Episode 1 at SW flank (near Mt. Tabaro)
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1967 Aug 16 - 1967 Aug 19 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 1
| Episode 1 | Eruption | SW flank (near Mt. Tabaro) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1967 Aug 16 - 1967 Aug 19 | Evidence from Observations: Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 7 Events for Episode 1 at SW flank (near Mt. Tabaro)
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1966 Jul 5 - 1966 Aug 4 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3
| Episode 1 | Eruption | SW flank (near Mt. Tabaro) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 Jul 5 - 1966 Aug 4 | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 14 Events for Episode 1 at SW flank (near Mt. Tabaro)
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1965 Sep 28 - 1965 Sep 30 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 4
| Episode 1 | Eruption | SW flank (near Mt. Tabaro) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 Sep 28 - 1965 Sep 30 | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 14 Events for Episode 1 at SW flank (near Mt. Tabaro)
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1911 Jan 27 - 1911 Feb 8 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3
| Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1911 Jan 27 - 1911 Feb 8 | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 14 Events for Episode 1
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1904 Apr - 1904 Jul 15 ± 5 days Confirmed Eruption VEI: 1
| Episode 1 | Eruption | Base of south wall of main crater | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1904 Apr - 1904 Jul 15 ± 5 days | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at Base of south wall of main crater
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1903 Apr Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
| Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1903 Apr - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||
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List of 2 Events for Episode 1
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[ 1885 ] Uncertain Eruption
| Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1885 - Unknown | Evidence from Unknown | |||
1878 Nov 12 - 1878 Nov 15 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
| Episode 1 | Eruption | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1878 Nov 12 - 1878 Nov 15 | Evidence from Observations: Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 3 Events for Episode 1
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1874 Jul 19 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
| Episode 1 | Eruption | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1874 Jul 19 - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 5 Events for Episode 1
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1873 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
| Episode 1 | Eruption | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1873 - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 3 Events for Episode 1
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1842 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
| Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1842 - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||
|
List of 2 Events for Episode 1
| ||||||||||||||||||||
1825 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
| Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1825 - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||
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List of 2 Events for Episode 1
| ||||||||||||||||||||
1808 Feb - 1808 Apr Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
| Episode 1 | Eruption | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1808 Feb - 1808 Apr | Evidence from Observations: Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 5 Events for Episode 1
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1790 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
| Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1790 - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||
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List of 2 Events for Episode 1
| ||||||||||||||||||||
1754 May 15 - 1754 Dec 4 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 4
| Episode 1 | Eruption | Summit crater and SE flank | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1754 May 15 - 1754 Dec 4 | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 14 Events for Episode 1 at Summit crater and SE flank
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1749 Aug 11 (?) - 1749 Sep Confirmed Eruption VEI: 4
| Episode 1 | Eruption | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1749 Aug 11 (?) - 1749 Sep | Evidence from Observations: Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 13 Events for Episode 1
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1731 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
| Episode 1 | Eruption | Pira-piraso (NE flank) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1731 - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 12 Events for Episode 1 at Pira-piraso (NE flank)
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1729 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
| Episode 1 | Eruption | Binintiang Munti | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1729 - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||
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List of 2 Events for Episode 1 at Binintiang Munti
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1716 Sep 24 - 1716 Sep 27 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 4 (?)
| Episode 1 | Eruption | Calauit (sublacustral SE flank) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1716 Sep 24 - 1716 Sep 27 | Evidence from Observations: Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 11 Events for Episode 1 at Calauit (sublacustral SE flank)
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1715 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
| Episode 1 | Eruption | Binintiang Malaki | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1715 - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Binintiang Malaki
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1709 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
| Episode 1 | Eruption | Binintiang Munti | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1709 - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at Binintiang Munti
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1707 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2
| Episode 1 | Eruption | Binintiang Malaki | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1707 - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at Binintiang Malaki
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1645 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3
| Episode 1 | Eruption | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1645 - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
List of 3 Events for Episode 1
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
1641 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3
| Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1641 - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 4 Events for Episode 1
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1635 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3
| Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1635 - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||
|
List of 2 Events for Episode 1
| ||||||||||||||||||||
1634 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3
| Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1634 - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||
|
List of 2 Events for Episode 1
| ||||||||||||||||||||
1608 ± 3 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 2 (?)
| Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1608 ± 3 years - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||
|
List of 2 Events for Episode 1
| ||||||||||||||||||||
1591 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3
| Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1591 - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||
|
List of 2 Events for Episode 1
| ||||||||||||||||||||
1572 Confirmed Eruption VEI: 3
| Episode 1 | Eruption | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1572 - Unknown | Evidence from Observations: Reported | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 4 Events for Episode 1
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3580 BCE ± 200 years Confirmed Eruption VEI: 6
| Episode 1 | Eruption | Taal Scoria Flow | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3580 BCE ± 200 years - Unknown | Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (uncalibrated) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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List of 5 Events for Episode 1 at Taal Scoria Flow
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There is data available for 6 deformation periods. Expand each entry for additional details.
| Start Date: 2005 Mar | Stop Date: 2005 Jul | Direction: Subsidence | Method: GPS |
| Magnitude: Unknown | Spatial Extent: Unknown | Latitude: Unknown | Longitude: Unknown |
 |
Time series of dual-frequency GPS stations (coordinates in mm with respect to KAYT) from June 1998 to July 2005. Alternating periods of inflation and deflation are reflected by the time series data, by plots that show East, North, and vertical coordinate component change for stations (A) TVST (1998?2005), (B) PINT (1998?2000)/TGYT (2001?2005), and (C) MMA8 (crosses, June to November 1998)/PIMO (1998 to 2005). Red circles and crosses represent positions, while vertical bars (cyan) depict are 95% errors scaled to repeatability. PIMO and MMA8 are dual-frequency stations situated in Manila, ~30 km north of the Caldera, while PINT was formerly the GPS station situated at the present location of TV07. Boxes indicate the deflationary (box with thin solid line) and inflationary periods (boxes with dashed lines) under study. From: Galgana et al. 2014. |
||
Reference List: Galgana et al. 2014.
Full References:
Galgana, G. A., Newman, A. V., Hamburger, M. W., & Solidum, R. U., 2014. Geodetic observations and modeling of time-varying deformation at Taal Volcano, Philippines. J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res., 271: 11-23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2013.11.005
| Start Date: 2004 Jun | Stop Date: 2005 Mar | Direction: Uplift | Method: GPS |
| Magnitude: Unknown | Spatial Extent: Unknown | Latitude: Unknown | Longitude: Unknown |
Remarks: Deformation at Taal Volcano can be modeled by spherical Mogi source beneath Volcano Island''s central crater and is likely magmatic in origin | |||
|
Time series of dual-frequency GPS stations (coordinates in mm with respect to KAYT) from June 1998 to July 2005. Alternating periods of inflation and deflation are reflected by the time series data, by plots that show East, North, and vertical coordinate component change for stations (A) TVST (1998?2005), (B) PINT (1998?2000)/TGYT (2001?2005), and (C) MMA8 (crosses, June to November 1998)/PIMO (1998 to 2005). Red circles and crosses represent positions, while vertical bars (cyan) depict are 95% errors scaled to repeatability. PIMO and MMA8 are dual-frequency stations situated in Manila, ~30 km north of the Caldera, while PINT was formerly the GPS station situated at the present location of TV07. Boxes indicate the deflationary (box with thin solid line) and inflationary periods (boxes with dashed lines) under study. From: Galgana et al. 2014. |
||
Reference List: Galgana et al. 2014.
Full References:
Galgana, G. A., Newman, A. V., Hamburger, M. W., & Solidum, R. U., 2014. Geodetic observations and modeling of time-varying deformation at Taal Volcano, Philippines. J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res., 271: 11-23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2013.11.005
| Start Date: 2000 Feb | Stop Date: 2000 Nov | Direction: Uplift | Method: GPS |
| Magnitude: Unknown | Spatial Extent: Unknown | Latitude: Unknown | Longitude: Unknown |
Remarks: Deformation at Taal Volcano can be modeled by spherical Mogi source beneath Volcano Island''s central crater and is likely magmatic in origin | |||
|
Time series of dual-frequency GPS stations (coordinates in mm with respect to KAYT) from June 1998 to July 2005. Alternating periods of inflation and deflation are reflected by the time series data, by plots that show East, North, and vertical coordinate component change for stations (A) TVST (1998?2005), (B) PINT (1998?2000)/TGYT (2001?2005), and (C) MMA8 (crosses, June to November 1998)/PIMO (1998 to 2005). Red circles and crosses represent positions, while vertical bars (cyan) depict are 95% errors scaled to repeatability. PIMO and MMA8 are dual-frequency stations situated in Manila, ~30 km north of the Caldera, while PINT was formerly the GPS station situated at the present location of TV07. Boxes indicate the deflationary (box with thin solid line) and inflationary periods (boxes with dashed lines) under study. From: Galgana et al. 2014. |
||
Reference List: Bartel et al. 2003; Galgana et al. 2014.
Full References:
Bartel, B. A., M. W. Hamburger, C. M. Meertens, A. R. Lowry, and E. Corpuz, 2003. Dynamics of active magmatic and hydrothermal systems at Taal Volcano, Philippines, from continuous GPS measurements. J. Geophys. Res., 108(B10), 2475. https://doi.org/10.1029/2002JB002194
Galgana, G. A., Newman, A. V., Hamburger, M. W., & Solidum, R. U., 2014. Geodetic observations and modeling of time-varying deformation at Taal Volcano, Philippines. J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res., 271: 11-23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2013.11.005
| Start Date: 1999 Apr | Stop Date: 2000 Jan | Direction: Subsidence | Method: GPS |
| Magnitude: Unknown | Spatial Extent: Unknown | Latitude: Unknown | Longitude: Unknown |
Remarks: Deformation at Taal Volcano can be modeled by spherical Mogi source beneath Volcano Island''s central crater and is likely magmatic in origin | |||
|
Time series of dual-frequency GPS stations (coordinates in mm with respect to KAYT) from June 1998 to July 2005. Alternating periods of inflation and deflation are reflected by the time series data, by plots that show East, North, and vertical coordinate component change for stations (A) TVST (1998?2005), (B) PINT (1998?2000)/TGYT (2001?2005), and (C) MMA8 (crosses, June to November 1998)/PIMO (1998 to 2005). Red circles and crosses represent positions, while vertical bars (cyan) depict are 95% errors scaled to repeatability. PIMO and MMA8 are dual-frequency stations situated in Manila, ~30 km north of the Caldera, while PINT was formerly the GPS station situated at the present location of TV07. Boxes indicate the deflationary (box with thin solid line) and inflationary periods (boxes with dashed lines) under study. From: Galgana et al. 2014. |
||
Reference List: Bartel et al. 2003; Galgana et al. 2014.
Full References:
Bartel, B. A., M. W. Hamburger, C. M. Meertens, A. R. Lowry, and E. Corpuz, 2003. Dynamics of active magmatic and hydrothermal systems at Taal Volcano, Philippines, from continuous GPS measurements. J. Geophys. Res., 108(B10), 2475. https://doi.org/10.1029/2002JB002194
Galgana, G. A., Newman, A. V., Hamburger, M. W., & Solidum, R. U., 2014. Geodetic observations and modeling of time-varying deformation at Taal Volcano, Philippines. J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res., 271: 11-23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2013.11.005
| Start Date: 1999 Jan | Stop Date: 1999 Mar | Direction: Uplift | Method: GPS |
| Magnitude: Unknown | Spatial Extent: Unknown | Latitude: Unknown | Longitude: Unknown |
Remarks: Deformation at Taal Volcano can be modeled by spherical Mogi source beneath Volcano Island''s central crater and is likely magmatic in origin | |||
|
Time series of dual-frequency GPS stations (coordinates in mm with respect to KAYT) from June 1998 to July 2005. Alternating periods of inflation and deflation are reflected by the time series data, by plots that show East, North, and vertical coordinate component change for stations (A) TVST (1998?2005), (B) PINT (1998?2000)/TGYT (2001?2005), and (C) MMA8 (crosses, June to November 1998)/PIMO (1998 to 2005). Red circles and crosses represent positions, while vertical bars (cyan) depict are 95% errors scaled to repeatability. PIMO and MMA8 are dual-frequency stations situated in Manila, ~30 km north of the Caldera, while PINT was formerly the GPS station situated at the present location of TV07. Boxes indicate the deflationary (box with thin solid line) and inflationary periods (boxes with dashed lines) under study. From: Galgana et al. 2014. |
||
Reference List: Bartel et al. 2003; Galgana et al. 2014.
Full References:
Bartel, B. A., M. W. Hamburger, C. M. Meertens, A. R. Lowry, and E. Corpuz, 2003. Dynamics of active magmatic and hydrothermal systems at Taal Volcano, Philippines, from continuous GPS measurements. J. Geophys. Res., 108(B10), 2475. https://doi.org/10.1029/2002JB002194
Galgana, G. A., Newman, A. V., Hamburger, M. W., & Solidum, R. U., 2014. Geodetic observations and modeling of time-varying deformation at Taal Volcano, Philippines. J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res., 271: 11-23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2013.11.005
| Start Date: 1998 Jun | Stop Date: 1998 Dec | Direction: Subsidence | Method: GPS |
| Magnitude: Unknown | Spatial Extent: Unknown | Latitude: Unknown | Longitude: Unknown |
Remarks: Deformation at Taal Volcano can be modeled by spherical Mogi source beneath Volcano Island''s central crater and is likely magmatic in origin | |||
|
Time series of dual-frequency GPS stations (coordinates in mm with respect to KAYT) from June 1998 to July 2005. Alternating periods of inflation and deflation are reflected by the time series data, by plots that show East, North, and vertical coordinate component change for stations (A) TVST (1998?2005), (B) PINT (1998?2000)/TGYT (2001?2005), and (C) MMA8 (crosses, June to November 1998)/PIMO (1998 to 2005). Red circles and crosses represent positions, while vertical bars (cyan) depict are 95% errors scaled to repeatability. PIMO and MMA8 are dual-frequency stations situated in Manila, ~30 km north of the Caldera, while PINT was formerly the GPS station situated at the present location of TV07. Boxes indicate the deflationary (box with thin solid line) and inflationary periods (boxes with dashed lines) under study. From: Galgana et al. 2014. |
||
Reference List: Bartel et al. 2003; Galgana et al. 2014.
Full References:
Bartel, B. A., M. W. Hamburger, C. M. Meertens, A. R. Lowry, and E. Corpuz, 2003. Dynamics of active magmatic and hydrothermal systems at Taal Volcano, Philippines, from continuous GPS measurements. J. Geophys. Res., 108(B10), 2475. https://doi.org/10.1029/2002JB002194
Galgana, G. A., Newman, A. V., Hamburger, M. W., & Solidum, R. U., 2014. Geodetic observations and modeling of time-varying deformation at Taal Volcano, Philippines. J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res., 271: 11-23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2013.11.005
There is no Emissions History data available for Taal.
Binintiang Malaki, a cone at the NW tip of Volcano Island, formed during an eruption in 1707. The cone, seen here from the SW, is the largest of the flank cones on Volcano Island.
An eruption that began on 31 January 1968 produced the Mt. Tabaro scoria cone on Volcano Island in the Taal caldera. The lava flow forming the lava delta was emplaced during this eruption, which lasted until 2 April. This December 1968 aerial view from the lava flow traveled to the lake within the crater produced during the major 1965 eruption.
An ash plume rises above a vent on the SW side of Volcano Island at Taal on 30 September 1965, during a two-day eruption that began on the 28th. The white plume at the bottom is a horizontally moving base surge. The devastating pyroclastic surges caused 150 fatalities.
A 3-km-wide caldera is located at the center of Volcano Island, in the Philippines' southern Luzon Island. The 5-km-wide Volcano Island lies within the much larger 15 x 20 km Taal caldera, of which the western wall is seen across Lake Taal in the distance. The small island in the center of the photo is a remnant of historical eruptions on Volcano Island and is an island in a lake, on an island in a lake, on an island.
Taal caldera, seen here from its NW rim, is a 15 x 20 km caldera of Pleistocene and Holocene age. Volcano Island, in the north-central part of Lake Taal, is constructed of coalescing small tuff and scoria cones. Powerful phreatomagmatic explosive eruptions from several locations on the 5-km-wide island have produced deadly pyroclastic surges.
The small tuff cone in the center of this photo was produced towards the end of a powerful 1965 explosive eruption of Taal in the Philippines. The eruption from 28 to 30 September originated from a fissure on the SE flank of Volcano Island and produced devastating pyroclastic surges when lake water gained access to the vent. The vent is filled by an inlet of Lake Taal in this 1965 post-eruption photo from the S. Eruptions the following year almost completely filled this new inlet.
This 400-m-wide crater formed during an eruption of Taal in 1976. That eruption modified cones and craters that had been constructed during yearly eruptions from 1966 to 1970 within a larger crater that formed during the 1965 eruption. This 1984 photo from the SW also shows the small 1977 crater along the margin of the flat bench at the upper right side of the 1976 crater.
This view of Main Crater Lake in the 3-km-wide caldera on Volcano Island, looks across Lake Taal to the NE rim of the 15 x 20 km Taal caldera. The surface of the 267 km2 lake is only 3 m above sea level. Volcano Island has been the source of explosive eruptions with pyroclastic surges that devastated lakeshore areas. Pleistocene eruptions that formed the caldera greatly modified the topography of southern Luzon Island.
Mount Tabaro on Volcano Island at Taal is seen here from the west in 1992. The sloping ridge extending across the photo from the lower right shoreline is the rim of the elongate 1965 vent system. The dark lava flow along the coastline was erupted in 1968 from a scoria cone that formed in the 1965 vent. This and other overlapping scoria cones and craters at the right-center formed during 1966 to 1977 eruptions.Maps are not currently available due to technical issues.
The following 9 samples associated with this volcano can be found in the Smithsonian's NMNH Department of Mineral Sciences collections, and may be availble for research (contact the Rock and Ore Collections Manager). Catalog number links will open a window with more information.
| Catalog Number | Sample Description | Lava Source | Collection Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| NMNH 101587 | Unidentified | -- | -- |
| NMNH 101588 | Unidentified | -- | -- |
| NMNH 101589 | Unidentified | -- | -- |
| NMNH 101590 | Unidentified | -- | -- |
| NMNH 101591 | Unidentified | -- | -- |
| NMNH 116546-1 | Basalt | -- | -- |
| NMNH 116546-2 | Basalt | -- | -- |
| NMNH 116546-3 | Olivine Basalt | -- | -- |
| NMNH 116546-4 | Volcanic Ash | -- | -- |
| Copernicus Browser | The Copernicus Browser replaced the Sentinel Hub Playground browser in 2023, to provide access to Earth observation archives from the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem, the main distribution platform for data from the EU Copernicus missions. |
| MIROVA | Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity (MIROVA) is a near real time volcanic hot-spot detection system based on the analysis of MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) data. In particular, MIROVA uses the Middle InfraRed Radiation (MIR), measured over target volcanoes, in order to detect, locate and measure the heat radiation sourced from volcanic activity. |
| MODVOLC Thermal Alerts | Using infrared satellite Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, scientists at the Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawai'i, developed an automated system called MODVOLC to map thermal hot-spots in near real time. For each MODIS image, the algorithm automatically scans each 1 km pixel within it to check for high-temperature hot-spots. When one is found the date, time, location, and intensity are recorded. MODIS looks at every square km of the Earth every 48 hours, once during the day and once during the night, and the presence of two MODIS sensors in space allows at least four hot-spot observations every two days. Each day updated global maps are compiled to display the locations of all hot spots detected in the previous 24 hours. There is a drop-down list with volcano names which allow users to 'zoom-in' and examine the distribution of hot-spots at a variety of spatial scales. |
|
WOVOdat
Single Volcano View Temporal Evolution of Unrest Side by Side Volcanoes |
WOVOdat is a database of volcanic unrest; instrumentally and visually recorded changes in seismicity, ground deformation, gas emission, and other parameters from their normal baselines. It is sponsored by the World Organization of Volcano Observatories (WOVO) and presently hosted at the Earth Observatory of Singapore.
GVMID Data on Volcano Monitoring Infrastructure The Global Volcano Monitoring Infrastructure Database GVMID, is aimed at documenting and improving capabilities of volcano monitoring from the ground and space. GVMID should provide a snapshot and baseline view of the techniques and instrumentation that are in place at various volcanoes, which can be use by volcano observatories as reference to setup new monitoring system or improving networks at a specific volcano. These data will allow identification of what monitoring gaps exist, which can be then targeted by remote sensing infrastructure and future instrument deployments. |
| Volcanic Hazard Maps | The IAVCEI Commission on Volcanic Hazards and Risk has a Volcanic Hazard Maps database designed to serve as a resource for hazard mappers (or other interested parties) to explore how common issues in hazard map development have been addressed at different volcanoes, in different countries, for different hazards, and for different intended audiences. In addition to the comprehensive, searchable Volcanic Hazard Maps Database, this website contains information about diversity of volcanic hazard maps, illustrated using examples from the database. This site is for educational purposes related to volcanic hazard maps. Hazard maps found on this website should not be used for emergency purposes. For the most recent, official hazard map for a particular volcano, please seek out the proper institutional authorities on the matter. |
| IRIS seismic stations/networks | Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) Data Services map showing the location of seismic stations from all available networks (permanent or temporary) within a radius of 0.18° (about 20 km at mid-latitudes) from the given location of Taal. Users can customize a variety of filters and options in the left panel. Note that if there are no stations are known the map will default to show the entire world with a "No data matched request" error notice. |
| UNAVCO GPS/GNSS stations | Geodetic Data Services map from UNAVCO showing the location of GPS/GNSS stations from all available networks (permanent or temporary) within a radius of 20 km from the given location of Taal. Users can customize the data search based on station or network names, location, and time window. Requires Adobe Flash Player. |
| DECADE Data | The DECADE portal, still in the developmental stage, serves as an example of the proposed interoperability between The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program, the Mapping Gas Emissions (MaGa) Database, and the EarthChem Geochemical Portal. The Deep Earth Carbon Degassing (DECADE) initiative seeks to use new and established technologies to determine accurate global fluxes of volcanic CO2 to the atmosphere, but installing CO2 monitoring networks on 20 of the world's 150 most actively degassing volcanoes. The group uses related laboratory-based studies (direct gas sampling and analysis, melt inclusions) to provide new data for direct degassing of deep earth carbon to the atmosphere. |
| Large Eruptions of Taal | Information about large Quaternary eruptions (VEI >= 4) is cataloged in the Large Magnitude Explosive Volcanic Eruptions (LaMEVE) database of the Volcano Global Risk Identification and Analysis Project (VOGRIPA). |
| EarthChem | EarthChem develops and maintains databases, software, and services that support the preservation, discovery, access and analysis of geochemical data, and facilitate their integration with the broad array of other available earth science parameters. EarthChem is operated by a joint team of disciplinary scientists, data scientists, data managers and information technology developers who are part of the NSF-funded data facility Integrated Earth Data Applications (IEDA). IEDA is a collaborative effort of EarthChem and the Marine Geoscience Data System (MGDS). |
