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Report on Bulusan (Philippines) — 20 April-26 April 2011


Bulusan

Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey
Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 20 April-26 April 2011
Managing Editor: Sally Sennert.

Please cite this report as:

Global Volcanism Program, 2011. Report on Bulusan (Philippines) (Sennert, S, ed.). Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 20 April-26 April 2011. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.

Weekly Report (20 April-26 April 2011)

Bulusan

Philippines

12.769°N, 124.056°E; summit elev. 1535 m

All times are local (unless otherwise noted)


Based on notices from the Manila airport (RPLL), the Tokyo VAAC reported that on 20, 22, and 26 April ash from Bulusan was observed. PHIVOLCS reported that only diffuse steam rose from the SE vents during 20-23 April. During cloud breaks on 26 April, diffuse steam plumes from the NW and SE vents were observed rising about 50 m and drifting WSW.

Geological Summary. Luzon's southernmost volcano, Bulusan, was constructed along the rim of the 11-km-diameter dacitic-to-rhyolitic Irosin caldera, which was formed about 36,000 years ago. It lies at the SE end of the Bicol volcanic arc occupying the peninsula of the same name that forms the elongated SE tip of Luzon. A broad, flat moat is located below the topographically prominent SW rim of Irosin caldera; the NE rim is buried by the andesitic complex. Bulusan is flanked by several other large intracaldera lava domes and cones, including the prominent Mount Jormajan lava dome on the SW flank and Sharp Peak to the NE. The summit is unvegetated and contains a 300-m-wide, 50-m-deep crater. Three small craters are located on the SE flank. Many moderate explosive eruptions have been recorded since the mid-19th century.

Sources: Tokyo Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (VAAC), Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)