Seismic activity slightly rises at Taal Volcano

LUCENA CITY — Taal Volcano recorded 13 seismic events in the past 24 hours, indicating a gradual increase in activity, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Saturday, March 7.

In its morning bulletin, Phivolcs said the volcano logged seven volcanic earthquakes and six volcanic tremors lasting between one and three minutes.

The figure shows a slight rise compared with previous days. Monitoring data recorded five volcanic earthquakes on March 6; four daily from March 3 to 5; three on March 2; and no seismic events on March 1.

READ: Taal Volcano breaks seismic lull with spike in earthquakes, tremors

For the entire month of February, Phivolcs recorded only 22 volcanic earthquakes and 20 volcanic tremors. On five separate days during the month, no seismic activity was detected.

The February data marked a significant drop from January’s activity, when monitoring instruments logged 204 volcanic earthquakes and 86 volcanic tremors. A minor phreatomagmatic eruption was also recorded on Jan. 9.

Phivolcs explained that volcanic earthquakes are generated by magma-related processes beneath an active volcano, unlike tectonic earthquakes, which are caused by movements along fault lines.

Volcanic tremors, meanwhile, are continuous low-frequency seismic signals that typically last more than a minute.

In its latest monitoring report, the agency recorded the emission of 576 metric tons of sulfur dioxide from the volcano’s main crater. The gas plume rose about 500 meters before drifting southwest, which Phivolcs classified as a “weak emission.”

No upwelling of hot volcanic fluids was observed in the Main Crater Lake on Taal Volcano Island (TVI) — locally known as “Pulo” — at the center of Taal Lake.

Phivolcs also noted the absence of “vog,” or volcanic smog, during the latest observation.

Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, indicating low-level unrest. However, the agency stressed that this does not mean the volcano has returned to normal conditions and that eruptive activity remains possible.

Authorities reiterated that entry into TVI remains strictly prohibited. Boating on Taal Lake and flying aircraft close to the volcano are likewise banned.

On Feb. 8, four foreign tourists reportedly managed to illegally enter TVI and reach the crater despite existing restrictions. /das