[Geology2] Taal volcano may erupt – Phivolcs

Taal volcano may erupt – Phivolcs

STATE volcanologists have raised the alert level at Taal Volcano in Batangas, as it warned residents of a possible explosion.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said an eruption is possible as there are signs of magma rising to the surface.

Phivolcs also said that at least four disturbing recent trends indicated the eruption, with the alert level at Taal Volcano in Batangas now raised to "2."

"In view of the above observations at Taal Volcano and the interpretation that magma has been intruding towards the surface, as manifested by (carbon dioxide) being released in Main Crater Lake and the increase in seismic activity, Taal Volcano's status is now raised to Alert Level 2. With this alert status, the present activities could eventually lead to an eruption," Philvocs said in their website.

With the raising of the alert level, Phivolcs advised the public that the Main Crater, Daang Kastila Trail and Mt. Tabaro are strictly "off limits."

Mt. Tabaro was the site of an eruption in 1965, it noted.

Phivolcs pointed out that sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate in those areas.

They said that the seismic activity at Taal Volcano continued to worsen, as the number of volcanic earthquakes detected gradually rose and the depths of the plotted quakes are becoming shallow (1 to 4 km).

Philvocs also said that during the past 24 hours, two quakes were felt at the Volcano Island with intensities ranging from 2 to 3 and one of them was accompanied by rumbling sounds.

At least 21 volcanic quakes were detected by the seismic network for the past 24 hours.

Gas measurements conducted at Taal Main Crater Lake yielded carbon dioxide emission flux of 1,875 tons per day (t/d) in February 2011 and 4,670 t/d during the last week of March 2011.

The remarkable increase in carbon dioxide concentration indicates that it came from the magma at depth.

It also reiterated the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended.

Meanwhile, Phivolcs said Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon and Mayon Volcano in Albay remains under Alert Level 1. FRANCIS EARL A. CUETO

Source

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