Taal Volcano records 2 minor phreatic eruptions, spike in quakes

LUCENA CITY — Taal Volcano showed renewed unrest after two minor phreatic eruptions and a spike in seismic activity were recorded within a 24-hour period, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Monday (Oct. 19).

In its morning bulletin, Phivolcs said the steam-driven eruptions, locally called “pusngat,” occurred at 7:31 p.m. and 7:36 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18, generating a plume that rose about 300 meters above the main crater lake on Taal Volcano Island, at the center of Taal Lake.

The eruptions were captured by the volcano’s surveillance camera and lasted seven minutes, according to the bulletin.

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READ: Taal Volcano sulfu dioxide emissions drop sharply

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Phivolcs also recorded a five-minute phreatomagmatic eruption at Taal Volcano on Oct. 8.

A phreatic eruption is a steam-driven explosion that occurs when water is heated by magma, hot rocks, or volcanic deposits beneath or on the surface, the agency explained, while a phreatomagmatic eruption occurs when rising magma interacts explosively with water.

Alongside the eruptions, Phivolcs recorded 43 volcanic earthquakes—the highest daily total so far this month—and 10 episodes of volcanic tremor, each lasting one to four minutes.

Volcanic earthquakes may be associated with the movement of magma beneath or near a volcano, while volcanic tremors are continuous seismic signals that may indicate activity beneath the surface.

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Phivolcs also measured weak sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions totaling 407 metric tons during the monitoring period.

No volcanic smog, or vog, or upwelling of hot fluids in the main crater lake was observed.

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Despite the eruptions and increased seismic activity, Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, indicating low-level unrest. Phivolcs, however, warned that sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions remain possible.

The agency reiterated that entry to Volcano Island, boating on Taal Lake and flying aircraft near the volcano are strictly prohibited. /dp