Taal Volcano Shows Continued Seismic Activity
LUCENA CITY — Taal Volcano in Batangas province continues to show signs of unrest as seismic activity persists, sources said on Wednesday. Recent days recorded several volcanic earthquakes and tremors, signaling ongoing volcanic processes beneath the surface.
Phivolcs reported two volcanic earthquakes within the last 24 hours, accompanied by a volcanic tremor lasting five minutes. Earlier this week, the volcano experienced eight earthquakes and five tremors, each tremor lasting between two and four minutes. On July 11, six earthquakes and two tremors of six to seven minutes duration were also recorded.
Understanding Volcanic Earthquakes and Tremors
Volcanic earthquakes, unlike tectonic quakes caused by fault movements, arise from magmatic or magma-related activities beneath or near an active volcano. These earthquakes vary widely due to the complex processes inside the volcano.
Volcanic tremors are continuous seismic vibrations with low frequencies that last more than a minute. They can result from magma or gas resonating within cracks and vents, overlapping low-frequency earthquakes, or magma eruptions.
Gas Emissions and Seismic Energy Rise
Recent measurements recorded 504 metric tons of sulfur dioxide emitted from Taal’s main crater, with the gas plume rising approximately 600 meters before drifting east and northeast, according to local observations.
No signs of hot volcanic fluids surfaced in the Main Crater Lake, locally known as “Pulo,” situated at the center of Taal Lake. Additionally, volcanic smog or “vog” was not observed during the latest monitoring period.
Meanwhile, seismic stations on Taal Volcano Island have noted a significant increase in real-time seismic energy measurements (RSAM) since July 6. This sharp rise, coupled with the absence of visible gas release from the main crater, may indicate blockages in volcanic gas pathways.
Such blockages could cause short-term pressure buildup, potentially triggering steam-driven (phreatic) or minor phreatomagmatic eruptions, sources warned.
Current Alert Status and Public Advisory
The volcano remains under Alert Level 1, which signifies abnormal conditions. This alert level does not mean the unrest has ceased or that eruptive threats are gone.
Authorities remind the public that at Alert Level 1, sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions, minor ashfalls, volcanic earthquakes, and dangerous gas emissions can still occur. These hazards particularly threaten areas within Taal Volcano Island.
Residents and visitors should stay vigilant and follow safety protocols, as volcanic activity remains unpredictable.
For more news and updates on Taal Volcano seismic activity, visit Filipinokami.com.
