Report on Taal (Philippines) — 8 September-14 September 2021
Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey
Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 8 September-14 September 2021
Managing Editor: Sally Sennert.
Please cite this report as:
Global Volcanism Program, 2021. Report on Taal (Philippines) (Sennert, S, ed.). Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 8 September-14 September 2021. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.
Taal
Philippines
14.0106°N, 120.9975°E; summit elev. 311 m
All times are local (unless otherwise noted)
PHIVOLCS reported that gas-and-steam plumes from Taal rose as high as 2.5 km above the lake during 8-14 September and drifted NE, SE, S, and SW. Sulfur dioxide emissions were 5,246-11,840 tonnes/day during 9-10 and 12-13 September. The Volcano Alert Level remained at a 2 (on a scale of 0-5). PHIVOLCS reminded the public that the entire Taal Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and that boating on Taal Lake was prohibited.
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.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)