Logo link to homepage

Report on Taal (Philippines) — 18 December-24 December 2024


Taal

Smithsonian Institution / US Geological Survey
Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 18 December-24 December 2024
Managing Editor: Sally Sennert. Written by Zachary W. Hastings.

Please cite this report as:

Global Volcanism Program, 2024. Report on Taal (Philippines) (Hastings, Z W, and Sennert, S, eds.). Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, 18 December-24 December 2024. Smithsonian Institution and US Geological Survey.

Weekly Report (18 December-24 December 2024)

Taal

Philippines

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

All times are local (unless otherwise noted)


The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported continuing unrest at Taal during 18-24 December. Daily weak-to-moderate emissions rose as high as 600 m above the crater and drifted SW. Volcanic tremor episodes recorded each day during 20-24 December each lasted between 3 and 39 minutes. Volcanic earthquakes were recorded on most days (1-11 each day). Sulfur dioxide gas emissions averaged 1,181 tonnes per day (t/d) on 23 December. The Alert Level remained at 1 (on a scale of 0-5); PHIVOLCS reminded the public that the entire Taal Volcano Island was a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and recommended that the Main Crater and areas along the Daang Kastila fissure should remain 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)