Brief phreatic eruptions recorded over Taal Volcano—Phivolcs

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Saturday three short-lived phreatic or steam-driven eruptions in Taal Volcano, which remains under Alert Level 1.

Phivolcs said the events occurred from 08:50 to 09:12 AM as seen on its Main Crater (VTMC) observation station.

Footage shared by the state seismic agency on its social media platforms showed that Taal Volcano continues to exhibit low level unrest.

“The events lasted more than 2 minutes and produced up to 350-meter-tall steam plumes that drifted West-southwest and Southwest. Alert Level 1 prevails over Taal Volcano,” Phivolcs said.

Another short-lived phreatic eruption occurred by 11:02 AM. It lasted approximately five minutes and produced a 300-meter-tall steam plume that drifted northwest, the state seismic agency added.

Phivolcs released the information after the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) sent an emergency alert to residents in Batangas.

“Nagaganap ang steam-driven o phreatic na pagputok sa Bulkang Taal mula 8:50AM hanggang 8:52AM. Sumunod sa abiso ng awtoridad. (A steam-driven or phreatic eruption of Taal Volcano has been observed from 8:50 AM to 8:52 AM. Heed notification from authorities),” the message read.

A phreatic eruption occurs when magma heats groundwater or surface water. It can typically include steam and rock fragments.

Taal Volcano is part of a chain of active volcanoes in Luzon. It is surrounded by a lake and falls under the jurisdictions of Talisay and San Nicolas municipalities in Batangas.

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