Taal Volcano increases sulfur dioxide emission – Phivolcs

The scenic view of Taal Volcano from Tagaytay City, Cavite, shown in this photo taken on October 24, 2023. This photo portrays calmness amid the volcano’s continued emission of toxic gas. —Photo by Marlon Mallari | Contributor

MANILA, Philippines — Taal Volcano in Batangas has shown an increase in the emission of sulfur dioxide, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Tuesday.

In its 24-hour observation, Phivolcs said that the volcano emitted 7,580 tons of sulfur dioxide on Monday, more than the 3,997 tons released the day before.

The volcano also emitted plumes reaching 600 meters high that drifted westward. However, Phivolcs told INQUIRER.net that the Taal Volcano Observatory did not detect any vog from the volcano.

READ: Phivolcs detects Taal Volcano vog

Meanwhile, Phivolcs detected seven volcanic earthquakes and one volcanic tremor. It also told INQUIRER.net that the tremor occurred at 10:14 p.m. on Monday and lasted 13 minutes.

Phivolcs previously defined volcanic earthquakes as those “generated by magmatic processes or magma-related processes beneath or near an active volcano.”

Volcanic tremors are “continuous seismic signals with regular or irregular oscillations and low frequencies (typically 0.5-5 Hz) that can last for more than a minute.”

READ: Taal Volcano logs 12 earthquakes, 8 tremors in past 24 hours 

The volcano remains under Alert Level 1 or low-level unrest. Phivolcs still prohibits entry into the Taal Volcano Island and flying aircraft near the volcano.

The agency also warns of possible phreatic or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and expulsion of volcanic gas.