Mt Mayon Menacingly Mute – Update [3 January 2010]

Will Mayon Erupt Again Soon?

Which scenario will Mayon adopt: Chaitén, Kilauea, Galeras, or one with an entirely different pattern?

What seems highly probable—judging by a number of factors including increased tempo and rhythm of volcanism globally—is that Mayon won’t be in repose for very long.

Mayon activity highlights during  the past 24 hours:

• Volcano hazard alert down to level 3
• 9 volcanic earthquakes detected
• 30 rockfall events
• No steam emissions
• Summit crater covered by heavy clouds for most of the 24-hr observation period.
• Faint glow at the crater occurred
• Sulfur Dioxide emission rate reported at an average rate of 2,094 tons per day

Mayon Volcano Bulletin 21 released by PHIVOLCS on 3 January 2010

Mayon Volcano’s (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) seismic monitoring network  detected 9 volcanic earthquakes and 30 rockfall events related to the detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes during the past 24- hour observation period. Steaming activity was not observed due to thick clouds that covered the summit crater. Pale crater glow was observed last night. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate was measured yesterday  morning at an average value of 2,094 tonnes/day.

Alert Level 3 is in effect over Mayon, which means that the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone around the volcano and the 7-km Extended Danger Zone on the southeast flank of the volcano should be free from human activity because of sudden explosions that may generate hazardous volcanic flows. People residing close to these danger areas are also advised to observe precautions associated with post-eruption activity, such as rockfalls, pyroclastic flows, and ash fallout which can also occur anytime due to instabilities of lava deposited on steep slopes. Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar prone in the southern sector should also be avoided especially during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall. Civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejected ash and volcanic fragments from sudden explosions may pose hazards to aircrafts. PHIVOLCS-DOST is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately posted to all concerned.

For previous entries, additional information, photos and links to Mayon Volcano see links below:

• Mayon may be gradually returning to the repose period
• Could Blue Moon Trigger Mayon Explosion?

Related Links:

• Mayon Volcano Links Page [Recent Posts, Photos, Videos and Comments]
  
• FEWW Volcano Links
• Volcanoes
• FEWW Earthquake Links