2 earthquakes detected at Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours
Taal Volcano’s iconic beauty, as seen from Tagaytay City. — PHOTO COURTESY OF JILLIAN DUMAS
LUCENA CITY — After a lull, Taal Volcano in Batangas province recorded renewed seismic activity over the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Sunday, July 6.
In its morning bulletin, Phivolcs said two volcanic earthquakes were detected on Saturday. The last recorded seismic activity at the volcano was on June 27, when an earthquake was logged.
Phivolcs explained that volcanic earthquakes are caused by magmatic or magma-related processes beneath or near an active volcano. Unlike tectonic earthquakes, which result from fault movements, volcanic quakes arise from various internal volcanic sources.
In its latest update, Phivolcs also reported a moderate emission of sulfur dioxide, estimated at 377 metric tons. The gas plume rose 1,200 meters from the main crater and drifted in two different directions.
No volcanic smog (vog) or upwelling of hot fluids in the main crater lake was observed during the monitoring period.
Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, indicating low-level volcanic unrest.
Phivolcs reminded the public that Taal Volcano remains in an abnormal condition, and the reduced emissions should not be taken as an indication that volcanic activity or the threat of an eruption has ended.
READ: Phivolcs detects 16 volcanic quakes at Taal Volcano
Located in the middle of Taal Lake, Taal Volcano is the Philippines’ second most active volcano, with 38 recorded historical eruptions./mcm
