Phivolcs warns of Kanlaon Volcano’s possible magmatic eruption | INQToday

INQUIRER.net

11 Sept 202402:22

Summary

TLDRState volcanologists have warned of an imminent magmatic eruption at Canlaon Volcano, the first since 1902, following increased unrest and a record high sulfur dioxide emission of 9,985 tons per day. With 337 volcano-tectonic earthquakes recorded within 24 hours, the alert level has been raised to two, prohibiting entry within a 4 km radius. While the exact timing of the eruption remains uncertain, continuous monitoring is in place to assess the situation.

Takeaways

🌋 Canlaon Volcano is showing signs of increasing unrest, with volcanologists warning of a possible magmatic eruption.
📈 A significant number of volcano-tectonic earthquakes were recorded, with 337 occurring from September 10 to September 11, and 65 more from midnight to noon on September 11.
🔍 The highest amount of sulfur dioxide emission from Canlaon Volcano was logged, at 9985 tons per day.
⚠️ The chances of a magmatic eruption are increasing, as monitoring parameters are rising and showing anomalies.
🚫 The volcano is under alert level two, which means entry into the 4 km radius permanent danger zone is prohibited.
🗓 The exact timing of a potential eruption cannot be predicted, as it requires continuous daily monitoring and evaluation.
🌟 The last recorded magmatic eruption from Canlaon Volcano was in 1902, and since then, only phreatic or steam-driven eruptions have occurred.
🔥 The 1902 eruption was a relatively mild magmatic eruption, releasing only a lava flow.
🏞️ The public is advised to stay alert and follow updates from the monitoring agency regarding the volcano's activity.

Q & A

What is the current situation with Canlaon Volcano according to the state volcanologists?
-Canlaon Volcano is exhibiting increasing unrest, with a significant number of volcano tectonic earthquakes recorded and the highest amount of sulfur dioxide emission observed.
How many volcano tectonic earthquakes were recorded from September 10 to September 11?
-A total of 337 volcano tectonic earthquakes were recorded from midnight of September 10 until midnight of September 11.
What additional volcanic activity was recorded from midnight to noon on September 11?
-An additional 65 volcano tectonic earthquakes were recorded from midnight until noon of September 11.
What is the highest recorded sulfur dioxide emission from Canlaon Volcano?
-The highest recorded sulfur dioxide emission from Canlaon Volcano is 9985 tons per day.
What does the increase in monitoring parameters suggest about the possibility of a magmatic eruption?
-The increase in monitoring parameters suggests that the chances of a magmatic eruption from Canlaon Volcano are getting higher.
What type of eruptions have occurred since the last magmatic eruption in 1902?
-Since the last magmatic eruption in 1902, only phreatic or steam-driven eruptions have occurred.
What is the current alert level for Canlaon Volcano?
-Canlaon Volcano is currently under alert level two.
What does alert level two mean in terms of public safety?
-Alert level two means that entry into the 4 km radius permanent danger zone is not allowed.
Is it possible to predict the exact timing of a potential eruption?
-The exact timing of a potential eruption cannot be predicted; it requires daily monitoring and evaluation.
What was the nature of the last recorded magmatic eruption in 1902?
-The last recorded magmatic eruption in 1902 was a relatively mild event, with only a lava flow being released.
What is the significance of the current unrest in comparison to historical data?
-The current unrest is significant as it shows anomalies in the monitoring parameters, which are higher than usual, indicating a potential for a magmatic eruption.

Outlines

00:00

🌋 Canlaon Volcano's Increased Unrest and Eruption Risk

State volcanologists have warned of a possible magmatic eruption of Canlaon Volcano, the first since 1902. In a public briefing, Mariton Bornas, the division chief of the volcano monitoring and eruption prediction division, reported that the volcano has been showing increasing unrest with a significant number of volcano-tectonic earthquakes recorded. From midnight of September 10 to midnight of September 11, 337 such earthquakes were recorded, with an additional 65 recorded from midnight to noon on September 11. The highest amount of sulfur dioxide emission was also logged, with 9985 tons per day. Bornas notes that the monitoring parameters are increasing, indicating an anomaly and raising the chances of a magmatic eruption. However, the exact timing of such an eruption cannot be predicted. Canlaon Volcano is currently under alert level two, prohibiting entry into the 4 km radius permanent danger zone. The last recorded magmatic eruption from Canlaon Volcano was in 1902, and since then, only phreatic or steam-driven eruptions have occurred.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Canlaon Volcano

Canlaon Volcano is a stratovolcano located on the island of Negros in the Philippines. It is one of the most active volcanoes in the country. In the script, it is mentioned as the subject of concern due to its increasing unrest and potential for a magmatic eruption. The volcano's activity is being closely monitored, with the recording of numerous volcano-tectonic earthquakes and high sulfur dioxide emissions indicating a heightened risk of eruption.

💡Magmatic eruption

A magmatic eruption refers to a volcanic eruption that involves the release of magma from the Earth's crust. This type of eruption is characterized by the ejection of lava, ash, and other volcanic materials. In the context of the video, the term is used to describe the possible eruption of Canlaon Volcano, which would be the first since 1902. The script highlights the increasing chances of such an eruption based on the monitoring parameters.

💡Volcano-tectonic earthquakes

Volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes are seismic events associated with volcanic activity. They are caused by the movement of magma and the fracturing of rocks within the volcano. The script mentions that 337 VT earthquakes were recorded within a specific time frame, which is a significant indicator of the unrest within Canlaon Volcano and contributes to the prediction of a possible eruption.

💡Sulfur dioxide emission

Sulfur dioxide is a gas that is often released during volcanic activity. High levels of sulfur dioxide can be an indicator of magma movement and an impending eruption. In the script, it is noted that the highest amount of sulfur dioxide emission from Canlaon Volcano was recorded, with 9985 tons per day, which is a significant sign of the volcano's unrest.

💡Monitoring parameters

Monitoring parameters refer to the various measurements and observations taken to assess the activity and potential behavior of a volcano. These can include seismic activity, gas emissions, ground deformation, and more. In the video script, it is mentioned that the monitoring parameters for Canlaon Volcano are increasing, indicating a higher chance of a magmatic eruption.

💡Alert level two

An alert level is a classification system used by volcanologists to communicate the current state of a volcano and the potential danger it poses. Alert level two suggests that the volcano is showing signs of unrest, and there is a possibility of an eruption. The script states that Canlaon Volcano is under alert level two, which means entry into the 4 km radius permanent danger zone is prohibited.

💡Phreatic eruption

A phreatic eruption, also known as a steam-driven eruption, occurs when water beneath the surface is heated by magma or hot rocks, causing a sudden release of steam and other gases. The script mentions that since the last magmatic eruption in 1902, only phreatic eruptions have occurred at Canlaon Volcano, indicating a less violent type of volcanic activity compared to a magmatic eruption.

💡Permanent danger zone

The permanent danger zone is an area around a volcano that is considered to be at high risk from volcanic hazards such as lava flows, pyroclastic flows, and lahars. In the context of the video, the script specifies that entry into the 4 km radius permanent danger zone of Canlaon Volcano is not allowed due to the heightened risk of an eruption.

💡Volcano monitoring

Volcano monitoring involves the continuous observation and measurement of a volcano's activity to predict potential eruptions and assess the level of risk. The script discusses the monitoring of Canlaon Volcano, including the recording of earthquakes and gas emissions, which are crucial for understanding the volcano's current state and predicting future activity.

💡Eruption prediction

Eruption prediction is the process of forecasting when and how a volcanic eruption might occur based on various signs and indicators. The script highlights that while the signs of unrest at Canlaon Volcano are increasing, the exact timing of an eruption cannot be predicted, emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring and evaluation.

💡Lahar

A lahar is a type of volcanic mudflow or debris flow that occurs when volcanic ash, rock, and other materials mix with water, often from heavy rainfall or the melting of snow and ice. The script refers to the 1902 eruption of Canlaon Volcano, which released a lahar, illustrating the potential hazards associated with volcanic activity.

Highlights

Volcanologists warn of a possible magmatic eruption of Canlaon Volcano, which would be the first since 1902.

FEV Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division Chief Mariton Bornas reports increasing unrest at Canlaon Volcano.

337 volcano-tectonic earthquakes were recorded between midnight on September 10 and midnight on September 11.

65 volcano-tectonic earthquakes were recorded between midnight and noon on September 11.

The highest sulfur dioxide emission from Canlaon Volcano was recorded at 9,985 tons per day.

Monitoring parameters show that the chances of a magmatic eruption are increasing.

Canlaon Volcano has not had a magmatic eruption since 1902, with only phreatic or steam-driven eruptions occurring since then.

The agency cannot predict the exact time or date of the potential eruption.

Canlaon Volcano is currently under Alert Level 2, meaning entry into the 4 km radius permanent danger zone is prohibited.

Continuous daily monitoring and evaluation are necessary to assess the situation.

The 1902 magmatic eruption of Canlaon was relatively weak, with only a lava flow recorded.

Bornas emphasizes that this is the first time a magmatic eruption would be instrumentally monitored at Canlaon Volcano.

The increasing volcanic activity includes both earthquakes and sulfur dioxide emissions, suggesting heightened volcanic unrest.

Volcanic activity monitoring aims to anticipate eruptions, but predictions remain uncertain in terms of timing.

The rising seismic activity and emissions are considered anomalous, pointing to the possibility of a magmatic eruption.