Kanlaon Volcano Update; Magmatic Eruption Likely, Record Gas Emissions

Summary

The 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.