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Report on Taal (Philippines) — 13 April-19 April 2011


Taal

Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey
Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 13 April-19 April 2011
Managing Editor: Sally Sennert.

Please cite this report as:

Global Volcanism Program, 2011. Report on Taal (Philippines) (Sennert, S, ed.). Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 13 April-19 April 2011. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.

Weekly Report (13 April-19 April 2011)

Taal

Philippines

14.0106°N, 120.9975°E; summit elev. 311 m

All times are local (unless otherwise noted)


During 12-19 April, PHIVOLCS reported that between 6 and 21 daily volcanic earthquakes at Taal were detected by the seismic network. Some of the earthquakes were felt by nearby residents. Results of a ground deformation survey conducted around Volcano Island during 5-11 April showed that the edifice was slightly inflated compared to a survey from early February. The Alert Level remained at 2 (on a scale of 0-5). According to news articles, the number of people that had evacuated from around Taal rose to 1,375.

Geological Summary. Taal is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines and has produced some powerful eruptions. The 15 x 20 km Talisay (Taal) caldera is largely filled by Lake Taal, whose 267 km2 surface lies only 3 m above sea level. The maximum depth of the lake is 160 m, with several submerged eruptive centers. The 5-km-wide Volcano Island in north-central Lake Taal is the location of all observed eruptions. The island is composed of coalescing small stratovolcanoes, tuff rings, and scoria cones. Powerful pyroclastic flows and surges have caused many fatalities.

Sources: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Agence France-Presse (AFP)