Steam-driven explosions briefly observed on Taal volcano

‘DEGASSING’ Footage taken from Taal Volcano Observatory catches the degassing activity from the main crater on June 4, 2023. (Screengrab from PHIVOLCS Facebook page)

MANILA, Philippines — Phreatic explosions were seen for about two minutes on Thursday over Taal volcano in Batangas.

This is based on the report of Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

The explosions occurred from around 12:54 pm to 12:56 pm.

Phivolcs does not see any need to increase the alert level amid these activities.

Taal volcano remains on Alert Level 1, which means there is “low level of volcanic unrest.”

These events may also be called phreatic eruptions.

Phreatic eruptions refer to steam-driven explosions which occur once water beneath the ground or on the surface is heated by volcanic activity.

This definition comes from the United States Geological Survey.

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