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Report on Taal (Philippines) — 22 November-28 November 2006


Taal

Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey
Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 22 November-28 November 2006
Managing Editor: Sally Sennert.

Please cite this report as:

Global Volcanism Program, 2006. Report on Taal (Philippines) (Sennert, S, ed.). Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 22 November-28 November 2006. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.

Weekly Report (22 November-28 November 2006)

Taal

Philippines

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

All times are local (unless otherwise noted)


According to news articles, geysers of muddy water 3-5 m high occurred in the NNE portion of Taal's main crater during 17-21 November. On 24 November, a new episode of 50-cm-high geyser activity and increased seismicity prompted PHIVOLCS to raise the Alert Level from 1 to 2.

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: People's Daily Online (China), Associated Press