Fewer volcanic quakes, weak plume emission recorded in Taal

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 – Weak plume emission continues on the 13th day that Taal Volcano is under Alert Level 2 (decreased unrest), and fewer volcanic quakes were recorded in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Wednesday.

Volcanic plume is a column of hot volcanic ash and gas emitted into the atmosphere during an explosive volcanic eruption. Plume emission measured 50 meters tall in the past 24 hours, weaker than the 50 to 100 meters in height recorded in the past few days.

A weaker eruption is based on the height of the plume coming out of the crater.

There were 32 volcanic quakes recorded in the past 24 hours, fewer than the 45 volcanic quakes recorded the previous day.

Volcanic earthquakes are caused by movements or eruptions of magma from the volcano, unlike tectonic quakes which are caused by fault movements.

Phivolcs reiterated that entry into Taal Volcano Island, Taal’s Permanent Danger Zone, must be strictly prohibited.

People are also 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, usually without any explosive activity. The magma intrusion from below causes the fissures to form.

Meanwhile, local government units are advised to additionally assess previously evacuated areas within the seven-kilometer radius for damages and road accessibilities, and to strengthen preparedness, contingency and communication measures in case of renewed unrest.