Phivolcs detects weak phreatic eruption at Taal Volcano | INQToday

Summary

Taal Volcano in the Philippines experienced a series of minor eruptions and seismic activity starting October 2, 2024. A steam-driven eruption occurred on October 6, following several smaller eruptions earlier in the week, including an 11-minute magmatic eruption. Despite ongoing volcanic activity, authorities have not observed signs of imminent danger, such as swelling or continuous seismic activity. However, local governments in Cavite and Batangas have been instructed to prepare for potential safety measures in case the alert level is raised. Experts explain the events are consistent with normal volcanic behavior, although vigilance remains crucial.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Taal volcano experienced another minor steam-driven eruption on Sunday, October 6, 2024, as part of ongoing unrest since last week.
• 😀 A steam-driven eruption, locally called 'pusat,' lasted only a minute on October 6. Prior to that, six minor eruptions occurred on October 5, each lasting 1 to 3 minutes.
• 😀 On October 5, a 4-minute minor freatomagmatic eruption occurred, accompanied by nine volcanic earthquakes, including two tremors lasting 6 minutes.
• 😀 On October 2, a Fat magmatic eruption, lasting 11 minutes, occurred due to the sudden contact of water with shallow magma beneath the Taal main crater.
• 😀 The Fat magmatic event has been attributed to long-term degassing from sulfur dioxide levels sustained for the past three years under Taal volcano.
• 😀 FIVO (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology) defines an FTIC eruption as a steam-driven explosion caused by water heated by magma, lava, or hot rocks.
• 😀 FIVO director Theodore Bakul highlighted volcanic earthquakes as an important indicator for assessing the likelihood of a magmatic eruption.
• 😀 The agency reported no volcanic earthquakes for the past 24 hours, and no swelling has been observed, suggesting that a major eruption is not immediately imminent.
• 😀 The phenomenon of volcanic swelling is a key indicator of continuous magma supply, or inflation, which could signal an impending eruption.
• 😀 While magma is a normal occurrence in active volcanoes, the recent eruptive activity has led local officials in Cavite and Batangas to prepare safety measures for residents in case of a heightened alert level.
• 😀 FIVO has warned that, based on the current conditions, there is a possibility of raising Taal's alert level from 1 to 2 if the situation worsens.

Q & A

What is the main cause of the recent eruptions at Taal Volcano?

The recent eruptions at Taal Volcano are primarily due to steam-driven explosions, which occur when water beneath the surface is heated by magma, hot rocks, or new volcanic deposits. A specific magmatic eruption was also caused by the sudden interaction of water with shallow magma beneath the volcano's main crater.

What is a freatic eruption, and how is it different from a magmatic eruption?

A freatic eruption is a steam-driven explosion that happens when water beneath the surface is heated by magma, while a magmatic eruption involves the release of magma from beneath the Earth's surface. Freatic eruptions are typically shorter and less intense, involving the release of steam rather than molten lava.

How long did the minor eruptions on October 5, 2024, at Taal Volcano last?

On October 5, 2024, Taal Volcano experienced six minor freatic eruptions, each lasting between 1 to 3 minutes.

What significant eruption occurred on October 2, 2024, at Taal Volcano?

On October 2, 2024, a magmatic eruption occurred at Taal Volcano, lasting for 11 minutes. This eruption is believed to have been caused by the sudden contact between water and shallow magma beneath the volcano.

What role does sulfur dioxide play in the ongoing volcanic activity at Taal?

Sulfur dioxide is being continuously degassed from Taal Volcano, indicating ongoing volcanic activity. This sustained release of sulfur dioxide has been observed for the past three years and is a common sign of degassing in active volcanoes.

What signs would indicate that a larger magmatic eruption could occur soon at Taal?

The key signs that a larger magmatic eruption may occur include volcanic earthquakes, ground swelling or inflation (which indicates magma movement beneath the surface), and an increase in volcanic tremors or explosive activity. Currently, no volcanic earthquakes or swelling have been observed.

What actions have local government officials taken in response to the volcanic activity at Taal?

Local government officials in the provinces of Cavite and Batangas have been instructed to prepare safety measures and potential evacuation plans in case the alert level for Taal Volcano is raised from level 1 to level 2.

How does PHIVOLCS monitor volcanic activity at Taal Volcano?

PHIVOLCS monitors Taal Volcano through the detection of volcanic earthquakes, the measurement of sulfur dioxide emissions, and observations for signs of ground inflation or swelling. These indicators help determine the likelihood of a larger eruption.

What is the significance of volcanic earthquakes in predicting an eruption?

Volcanic earthquakes are a key indicator of potential magmatic activity beneath the surface. The presence of such earthquakes can signal the movement of magma, which may lead to a larger eruption. However, the absence of volcanic earthquakes does not necessarily rule out future eruptions.

Why has PHIVOLCS not raised the alert level for Taal Volcano despite recent eruptions?

PHIVOLCS has not raised the alert level because, despite the recent minor eruptions, no significant volcanic earthquakes or signs of swelling have been observed. These are key indicators that a larger eruption is not imminent at this time.