Kanlaon Volcano Update; Magmatic Eruption Likely, Record Gas Emissions

GeologyHub

13 Sept 202404:48

Summary

TLDRThe Kanlaon volcano in the Philippines is showing signs of potential eruption, possibly its first magmatic eruption since 1902. With unprecedented sulfur dioxide emissions and a significant increase in volcanic earthquakes, magma is likely at shallow depths. Although a strong vulcanian eruption with 10 km high plumes is possible, a smaller eruption remains more likely. Residents near the volcano are advised to stay vigilant due to risks of pyroclastic flows, ashfall, and lahars. An exclusion zone is in place, and further updates will depend on the volcano's ongoing activity.

Takeaways

🌋 Kanlaon volcano in the Philippines is at risk of a significant eruption, potentially its first magmatic eruption since 1902.
⚠️ A strong vulcanian eruption with 10 km high plumes is possible, although a smaller eruption is more likely.
💨 Sulfur dioxide emissions are setting record highs, with 11,556 tons recorded on September 11, 2024, indicating shallow magma below the surface.
👃 Citizens are detecting a strong sulfuric smell, suggesting the presence of hydrogen sulfide, although official measurements have not been released.
🛑 A 1 km-high degassing plume is now visible from Kanlaon’s summit, highlighting increased volcanic activity.
📊 Volcanic earthquakes spiked dramatically from 2 per day on September 5 to 337 on September 11, indicating the movement of magma.
⛑️ Kanlaon is currently at Alert Level 2 (on a scale of 0 to 5), and a 4 km exclusion zone is in place around the summit.
🌍 The volcano has shown signs of ground deformation since March 2022, a typical precursor to eruptions.
🌋 Phreatic eruptions, with smaller explosions, are likely to precede any larger magmatic eruption.
🌀 Potential hazards include pyroclastic flows, ashfall, gas emissions, lahars, and viscous lava flows, which could impact nearby residents on Negros Island.

Q & A

What is the current status of the Kanlaon volcano?
-Kanlaon volcano is currently at an alert level of 2 on a scale of 0 to 5, indicating increased volcanic unrest and potential for an eruption.
What kind of eruption is most likely to occur at Kanlaon volcano?
-A strong vulcanian eruption is most likely, characterized by eruption plumes up to 10 kilometers high. However, a smaller eruption is still the most probable outcome.
What evidence suggests that magma is at shallow depths beneath Kanlaon volcano?
-Extremely high sulfur dioxide emissions, which have broken records in recent weeks, suggest that magma is at a depth of less than a kilometer below the surface.
How high were sulfur dioxide emissions on September 11th, 2024?
-On September 11th, 2024, Kanlaon volcano emitted 11,556 tons of sulfur dioxide, an extremely high level for a volcano that is not actively erupting.
What are the residents near Kanlaon reporting in terms of volcanic activity?
-Residents near Kanlaon are reporting a strong volcanic smell, specifically the rotten egg smell of hydrogen sulfide, which is characteristic of volcanic activity.
What seismic activity has been recorded at Kanlaon in early September 2024?
-Volcanic earthquakes increased dramatically from 2 per day on September 5th to 337 per day on September 11th, indicating heightened magma movement.
What past eruption patterns have been observed at Kanlaon?
-Previous eruptions have been preceded by increased volcanic earthquakes (more than 10 daily), over 100 earthquakes in one day, and ground deformation indicating magma movement.
What risks are associated with a potential Kanlaon eruption?
-Risks include pyroclastic flows, ashfall, gas emissions, lahars, and possibly viscous lava flows up to 40 meters high, which could impact nearby residents.
Why is there a 4-kilometer exclusion zone around Kanlaon’s summit?
-The exclusion zone is in place because even weak phreatic eruptions, which involve steam and gases, can produce lethal pyroclastic flows and pose significant danger.
What should people living near Kanlaon be aware of in the coming weeks?
-Residents within 20 kilometers of Kanlaon and near drainage areas should be vigilant for possible eruptive activity, as signs indicate that an eruption could occur soon.

Outlines

00:00

🌋 Impending Eruption at Kanlaon Volcano

The Kanlaon volcano in the Philippines may soon experience a significant eruption, possibly its first magmatic eruption since 1902. While not expected to be a plinian or subplinian eruption, a strong vulcanian eruption with 10 km high plumes is possible. However, a smaller eruption remains the most likely scenario given current unrest. Sulfur dioxide emissions have set all-time records, reaching 11,556 tons per day as of September 11th, 2024, indicating magma is likely less than a kilometer beneath the surface. Residents are reporting a strong sulfuric smell, though official hydrogen sulfide measurements are unavailable.

🌫️ High Gas Emissions and Volcanic Earthquakes

A strong degassing plume has emerged from Kanlaon's summit, and volcanic earthquakes, driven by magma movement, have drastically increased. The rate jumped from 2 earthquakes daily on September 5th to 337 on September 11th. This sudden rise in activity suggests that a volcanic eruption may be imminent. Though some magma intrusions do not result in eruptions, the extremely high gas emissions at Kanlaon make it less likely for this activity to subside without an eruption.

📉 Warning Signs from Past Eruptions

Historical eruptions at Kanlaon have been preceded by specific warning signs, such as multiple days with over 10 volcanic earthquakes, single days with over 100 earthquakes, and noticeable ground deformation. Recent activity mirrors these patterns, with 8 days in the last month recording more than 10 earthquakes and ground uplift noted since March 2022. These signs suggest an eruption may soon occur, which is why Kanlaon is currently at Alert Level 2 on a 0-5 scale.

🚨 Exclusion Zone and Potential Hazards

A 4-kilometer exclusion zone is currently in place around Kanlaon’s summit due to the threat of phreatic eruptions, which could trigger deadly pyroclastic flows. Any eruption is expected to start with smaller phreatic explosions before potentially evolving into a magmatic event. Residents within a 20-kilometer radius and near drainage areas originating from Kanlaon should remain vigilant in the coming weeks and months.

🏞️ Potential Impacts and Preparedness

If an eruption occurs, various hazards such as pyroclastic flows, ashfall, gas emissions, lahars, and lava flows could affect Negros Island's residents. While hoping not to report an eruption, the possibility remains. Local residents are urged to stay safe and prepared for possible volcanic activity.

🙏 Special Thanks to a Supporter

The video concludes with a thank you to Kelin Nott, a new patron who supports the channel.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Kanlaon Volcano

Kanlaon Volcano is an active stratovolcano located on Negros Island in the Philippines. The video discusses the volcano's current state of unrest, with potential for an eruption. The speaker highlights its history of eruptions and the recent signs of increased volcanic activity, such as seismic events and sulfur dioxide emissions.

💡Magmatic Eruption

A magmatic eruption involves the explosive release of molten rock (magma) from beneath the Earth’s surface. The video suggests that Kanlaon Volcano could experience its first magmatic eruption since 1902, indicating a more intense eruption compared to smaller, steam-driven phreatic eruptions.

💡Vulcanian Eruption

A Vulcanian eruption is a type of volcanic eruption characterized by short, explosive outbursts of ash, lava, and gas. In the video, the speaker mentions the possibility of a Vulcanian eruption at Kanlaon, with plumes potentially reaching 10 kilometers high. This would be a moderate eruption compared to larger, more destructive types.

💡Phreatic Eruption

A phreatic eruption occurs when water beneath the ground or on the surface is heated by magma, causing steam-driven explosions. The video notes that any major eruption at Kanlaon would likely begin with smaller phreatic eruptions before a magmatic component emerges, possibly producing dangerous pyroclastic flows.

💡Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Emissions

Sulfur dioxide emissions are gases released by volcanic activity, indicating the presence of magma. The video highlights record-breaking SO2 emissions from Kanlaon, with levels reaching over 11,000 tons per day. Such emissions suggest significant magma at shallow depths, increasing the likelihood of an eruption.

💡Pyroclastic Flows

Pyroclastic flows are fast-moving avalanches of hot gas, ash, and volcanic rock that flow down the slopes of a volcano during eruptions. The video warns that even a weak eruption could produce lethal pyroclastic flows from Kanlaon, making it essential for residents within the exclusion zone to remain vigilant.

💡Volcanic Earthquakes

Volcanic earthquakes are seismic events caused by the movement of magma beneath the Earth's surface. The video discusses a spike in volcanic earthquakes at Kanlaon, rising from 2 to 337 in a short period, indicating heightened magmatic activity that could lead to an eruption.

💡Hydrogen Sulfide

Hydrogen sulfide is a gas that smells like rotten eggs and is often released during volcanic activity. The video mentions reports from locals around Kanlaon who have recently noticed this smell, suggesting increased volcanic gas emissions, even though no official measurements have been made.

💡Lahars

Lahars are destructive volcanic mudflows that occur when volcanic debris mixes with water. The video mentions lahars as a potential hazard if Kanlaon erupts, particularly for residents living near river drainages originating from the volcano, as heavy rainfall could trigger these dangerous flows.

💡Volcanic Exclusion Zone

A volcanic exclusion zone is an area around a volcano where access is restricted due to potential hazards. In the video, Kanlaon is currently under a 4-kilometer exclusion zone, meaning no one should enter the area as even minor eruptions could pose deadly risks, including pyroclastic flows and ashfall.

Highlights

Kanlaon volcano in the Philippines is at risk of producing a significant eruption, potentially its first magmatic eruption since 1902.

The most likely outcome is still a smaller eruption, despite the potential for a strong vulcanian eruption with 10 km high eruption plumes.

Sulfur dioxide emissions have set all-time records in the last month, reaching 11,556 tons a day on September 11, 2024.

High sulfur dioxide levels suggest magma is at shallow depths, potentially less than a kilometer below ground.

Numerous citizens have reported a strong rotten egg smell, characteristic of hydrogen sulfide, near the volcano.

The most likely hydrogen sulfide concentrations near Kanlaon are estimated to be below 1 part per million.

A strong degassing plume has emerged, rising a kilometer above Kanlaon's summit crater.

Volcanic earthquakes have spiked significantly, from 2 per day on September 5 to 337 per day on September 11.

Kanlaon's past eruptions were preceded by several warning signs, including days with over 10 volcanic earthquakes and short- or long-term ground deformation.

In the last month, 8 days have seen over 10 volcanic tectonic earthquakes, with 337 on September 11.

Ground deformation has been observed at different parts of the volcano since March 2022, March 2023, and July 2024.

Kanlaon is currently at an alert level 2 (on a scale of 0-5) with a 4 km exclusion zone around the summit.

Even weak phreatic eruptions from Kanlaon can generate lethal pyroclastic flows, necessitating the exclusion zone.

An eruption would likely be preceded by weak phreatic explosions before a truly magmatic event.

Residents within a 20 km radius and near drainages originating from Kanlaon should stay alert for potential impacts from pyroclastic flows, ashfall, lahars, and lava flows.