Phivolcs notes continuous decline in Taal’s volcanic activity

FILE: Aerial shot of Taal Volcano on board a Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) UH-1 Huey helicopter on Tuesday (Jan. 21, 2020) during the PAF and Joint Task Force-Taal aerial reconnaissance at Taal Volcano. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA — For the third consecutive day, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology’s (Phivolcs) observed a decline in Taal Volcano’s activity.

Taal Volcano has been under Alert Level 2 (decreased unrest) since February 14. Phivolcs earlier announced it would lower the volcano’s alert status to Level 1 should there be a continuous downtrend in monitored parameters after a sufficient observation period.

Forty-one volcanic quakes were recorded for the past 24 hours, lower than the 65 volcanic quakes the previous day.

Volcanic earthquakes are caused by movements or eruptions of magma from the volcano.

Weak emission of plumes measured 50 to 100 meters tall, compared to 100 to 200 meters tall observed in the previous day.

Due to weak plume activity, sulfur dioxide emission was “below instrumental detection”, compared to an average of 58 tonnes recorded the previous day.

A weaker eruption is based on the height of the plume coming out of the crater. Volcanic plume is a column of hot volcanic ash and gas emitted into the atmosphere during an explosive volcanic eruption.

Meanwhile, Phivolcs reiterated that entry into Taal Volcano Island, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone, is still strictly prohibited.

People are advised to observe precautions due to ground displacement across fissures, frequent ashfall and minor earthquakes.

A fissure is a linear volcanic vent through which lava erupts. The magma intrusion from below causes the fissures to form.

Aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano, as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and wind-remobilized ash may pose hazards to aircraft, Phivolcs said.