28 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 – Twenty-eight volcanic quakes, including two low-frequency events associated with magmatic fluids beneath the edifice, were recorded in Taal Volcano for the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Thursday.

This is fewer than the 31 volcanic quakes recorded the previous day.

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

Meanwhile, weak plume emission measuring 50 to 100 meters have been observed for the past few days.

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

Taal Volcano has been under Alert Level 2 (decreased unrest) since February 14.

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

Likewise, local government units are advised to additionally assess previously evacuated areas within the 7-kilometer radius for damage and road accessibilities, and to strengthen preparedness, contingency, and communication measures in case of renewed unrest, Phivolcs said.