Archive for the ‘Mayon activity’ Category
Posted by feww on January 3, 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:
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Posted in Mayon activity, Mayon alert level, Mayon SO2, Mayon Volcano, Mt Mayon | Tagged: mayon update, Mayon update Jan 3, moon gravity, Philippines volcanoes, volcanic earthquake, volcano | 2 Comments »
Posted by feww on January 2, 2010
Philippines experts out of step with Mayon?
Mayon may be gradually returning to the repose period: Phivolcs
The information coming out of PHIVOLCS and the decisions made by the state volcanologists concerning the volcano’s hazard status are at best inconsistent with the history of Mayon’s eruptive activity.
Highlights from the news, eye-witness accounts, official and unofficial reports on Mayon’s status during the past 24 hours:
- Phivolcs is lowering Mayon’s alert status from level 4 to level 3 [hazardous explosive eruption less likely]
- Volcanic quakes down to 13 events (majority of events associated with rockfalls, and rolling of lava fragments down the mountain)
- No tephratic eruptions for the 3rd day
- Sulfur Dioxide emission rate of 2,621 tons per day up (more than twice the amount previous day), but down from a high of about 9,000 tons.
- Small amount of steam emitted
Mayon Volcano Bulletin 20 released by PHIVOLCS on 2 January 2010
The seismic monitoring network around Mayon Volcano (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) detected 13 volcanic earthquakes and 68 rockfall events related to the detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes during the past observation period. Emission of weak volume of white steam at the summit crater was observed during cloud breaks yesterday. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate was measured yesterday morning at an average value of 2,621 tonnes/day.
The latest activity of Mayon still indicates that its overall state of unrest remains relatively high. However, this phase of unrest, characterized by moderate seismicity, high volcanic gas outputs and continuing glow of the summit are processes normally associated with very gradual return to the repose period. The volcanic system is expected to continue producing earthquakes and to vent a large amount of gases because fresh magma still resides along the whole length of the volcanic pipe and near the summit.
From 28 December to present, a declining trend in Mayon volcano’s activity was noted as reflected by the following observations:
1. No ash ejections were observed since 29 December. Steam emission was most of the time weak and white in color indicating considerable decrease in energy and absence of ash.
2. Majority of the type of earthquakes that were recorded during the past days were associated with rockfalls and rolling down of fragments from the lava deposits along Bonga gully and the advancing lava front.
3. Measured SO2 levels have also showed a decreasing trend from a maximum of 8,993 tons per day to 2,621 tons per day. The still high concentration of SO2 gas emission suggests that there is residual magma degassing at shallow depth.
In view of the above observations, PHIVOLCS-DOST is lowering the alert status of Mayon from Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3 to reflect the overall gradual decrease of activity. Alert Level 3 means that there is less probability of a hazardous explosive eruption. However, the lowering of the alert level from 4 to 3 should not be interpreted that the unrest of the volcano has ceased. If there is resurgence in the volcano’s activity and the potential for explosive eruptions is perceived to be forthcoming, the alert level may be raised back to 4 but if there is noticeable downward trend in the monitored parameters, then the alert will be further lowered to Alert Level 2.
For previous entries, additional information, photos and links to Mayon Volcano see links below:
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Posted in Mayon activity, Mayon Hazard level, Mayon SO2, Mayon Volcano, Mt Mayon | Tagged: mayon lava, mayon update, Mayon update jan 2, moon gravity, Philippines volcanoes, volcanic earthquake, volcano | 1 Comment »
Posted by feww on January 1, 2010
Could Blue Moon Trigger Mayon Explosion?
State vulcanologists believe full moon could trigger Mayon explosion
Resident volcanologists at Phivolcs said a major eruption could occur based on the volcano’s behavior and the the full moon working as triggering mechanism to cause the restive volcano to explode.
According to their theory, the gravitational pull of the full moon as it gets closer to Earth could cause a large increase in the rate of ascent of magma up and out of the volcano.
The Moon glows by light it reflects from the Sun and is frequently the brightest object in the night sky. The Moon orbits the Earth about once a month (moon-th) from about 1 light second away. The above-pictured Full Moon occurs when the Moon is nearly opposite to the Sun in its orbit. Credit: Lick Observatory.
How They Paint the Moon Blue
Most years have twelve full moons occurring monthly; however, each solar calendar year has an additional eleven days compared with the lunar year. The extra days add up to a 13th full moon called a “blue moon” about 7 times in the 19-year Metonic cycle, which translates into one blue moon every two or three years.
Other highlights from the news, eye-witness accounts, official and unofficial reports on Mayon’s status during the past 24 hours:
- 28 volcanic earthquakes recorded
- 91 rockfall events
- Some steam emitted
- Lava still flowing
- SO2 emissions down to daily average of 1,255 tons
- Phivolcs may lower alert level from 4 to 3, if no significant events occur in the next few days
Human Angle:
- A power blackout was enforced in the danger zone around Mt Mayon on Thursday, to discourage residents from returning to their homes.
- The water supply is due to be turned off Friday, as state volcanologists warned that the full moon could trigger a major explosion today.
- A military spokesman said many residents were using “backdoor” routes to return to their homes for the New Year’s festivities.
- About two dozen tourists were reportedly arrested as they entered the danger zone.
- Local police and military have been ordered to carry out house-to-house searches and arrest any residents that might still be in the danger zone.
- Aid organizations are plan to evacuate about 4,000 animals to areas outside Mayon danger zone, ABC said.
Mayon Volcano Bulletin 19 released by PHIVOLCS on 1 January 2010
The seismic monitoring network around the volcano detected 28 volcanic earthquakes and 91 rockfall events related to the detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes during the past 24-hour observation period. No ash explosion was observed. Weak to moderate emission of white steam at the summit crater was seen during cloud breaks from 7:29 AM – 8:30 AM and from 5:25 PM to 5:40 PM yesterday. Flowing lava and intermittent rolling incandescent lava fragments were observed last night. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate was measured at an average of 1,255 tons/day.
Alert Level 4 is still being maintained but if no significant events should occur during the next few days, PHIVOLCS-DOST shall consider the possibility of lowering down the alert level from 4 to 3. PHIVOLCS-DOST still strongly reiterates that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of 8-km on the southern sector of the volcano and 7-km on the northern sector should be free from human activity. 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. In addition, 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:
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Posted in Mayon activity, Mayon SO2, Mayon Volcano, Mt Mayon, Uncategorized | Tagged: Blue Moon, Full moon, Mayon january 2010, mayon lava, mayon update, Metonic cycle, moon gravity, Philippines volcanoes, pyroclastic flows at mayon, volcanic earthquake, volcano | 3 Comments »
Posted by feww on December 31, 2009
Mayon Pipes Down, for Now
The Contrast: “Disaster Tourism” Booms as Boredom Sets in Among the Evacuees!
Lava flow from the crater of Mayon volcano as viewed from Lignon Hill in Legazpi city, Albay province, December 30, 2009. Credit: Bullit Marquez/ AP. Image may be subject to copyright.
Highlights of news, observations, official and unofficial reports:
- Thick clouds covered the volcano summit affecting visibility
- No ash explosion during times of good visibility
- Steam and ash spewed from volcano
- 60 volcanic earthquakes recorded
- 267 rock fall events reported
- SO2 emissions rate down to 1,158 tonnes per day
- volcano edifice remains inflated
- Volcano hazard alert remained at Level 4 (explosive eruption could be imminent)
Other Headlines:
- Seismic activity increasing in Mindanao, Philippines, with several several quakes measuring 5.0 to 5.7Mw reported in the region.
- At least two quakes measuring 5.2 and 5.6 Mw struck near Leyte, Philippines in the past 24 hrs.
Human Angle:
Albay Governor Joey Salceda ordered the electricity and water supplies to be cit off to properties within the extended and permanent danger zones near Mayon Volcano yesterday, the Manila Bulletin reported.
Salceda said he wanted to discourage people from entering their homes withing the danger zone, after reports that many evacuees had returned to their homes for the New Year.
“Legally, there should be no people within the declared danger zones because of the provincial ordinance of the implementation of a 24-hour curfew. It is on this premise that I ordered that electricity and water supplies should be cut off,” he added.
“By Thursday afternoon (December 31), Salceda said he is also expecting the security forces to cut off the roads leading to all affected barangays in the cities of Tabaco, Legazpi and Ligao and the towns of Guinobatan, Camalig, Daraga, Malilipot and Sto. Domingo.” Manila Bulletin reported
“All the hotels are fully booked, even the cheapest ones,” Salceda told reporters.
The Contrast: “Disaster Tourism” Booms as Boredom Sets in Among the Evacuees!
As the hotels in the Albay Province are filled to capacity with overenthusiastic, “disaster tourism” visitors, boredom sets in among the evacuees. AP Photo/Mike Alquinto. Image may be subject to copyright.
Mayon Volcano Bulletin 18 released on 31 December 2009
For the past 24 hours, Mayon Volcano’s (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) activity was characterized by extrusion of lava and rolling down of incandescent lava fragments along the Bonga gully. The summit of the volcano was obscured most of the time yesterday due to thick cloud cover. No ash explosion was observed during times of good visibility. Emission of very weak to moderate volume of white steam that drifted towards west- southwest was observed during clear views of the crater.
Seismic monitoring revealed the occurrence of 60 volcanic earthquakes. A total of 267 rock fall events related to the detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes was also detected by the seismic network. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate measurements yesterday yielded an average value of 1,158 tonnes per day (t/d). The volcano edifice remains inflated as indicated by the electronic tilt meter installed at the northeast sector of the volcano.
The status of Mayon Volcano is maintained at Alert Level 4. PHIVOLCS-DOST reiterates that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of 8-km on the southern sector of the volcano and 7-km on the northern sector should be free from human activity. Areas just outside of this EDZ should prepare for evacuation in the event hazardous eruptions intensify. 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. In addition, 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:
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Posted in Mayon activity, Mayon SO2, Mayon Volcano, Mt Mayon, Philippines volcanoes | Tagged: mayon ash explosion, Mayon december 30, mayon lava, Mayon tephra, mayon update, pyroclastic flows at mayon, tephra explosion, volcanic earthquake, volcano | Leave a Comment »
Posted by feww on December 30, 2009
Mayon Calmer, But it Could Be the Lull Before the Storm
It would be very helpful if PHIVOLCS released more detailed information on Mayon status!
Highlights of news, observations, official and unofficial reports:
- Minor ash explosions down to one
- Tephra ejected to a height of 100 meters above the summit
- Continuous lava flow down Bonga-Buyuan, Miisi and Lidong gullies
- Lava front traveled an additional 100 meters to a distance of 5.9 km from th esummit
- 16 volcanic earthquakes recorded
- 150 rockfall events caused by lava fragments detaching from the upper slopes
- SO2 emission rate of 4,397 tons per day almost a third higher than the previous day
- The edifice remains inflated
The Human Angle
- About 50,000 people are still crammed in 29 evacuation centers in the country’s eastern province of Albay.
- Local schools are doubling as makeshift evacuation centers.
- The evacuees may have to spend several months in the centers.
- But schools are supposed to open after New Year holidays.
- Water and sanitation facilities are in critically short supply, UNICEF said.
- Evacuees have been advised to protect their children from Mayon’s fine ash, because it could worsen asthma, bronchitis and respiratory-related illnesses; however, face masks are reportedly in short supply.
- At least four people have died in the evacuation centers so far. A 3-year-old from an unspecified infection and three elderly people from heart attacks, health officials have revealed.
- Crowding and cramp conditions have already led to widespread skin diseases and respiratory illnesses throughout the 29 shelters.
- Food isn’t in short supply, but there’s a shortage of items such as nappies for babies and sanitary towels for women, according to a local news bulletin.
- “The evacuees face the grim prospect of being away from home for several more weeks—local disaster officials said the worst case is six more months since Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 4 indicating imminent eruption.” The report said.
- An elected official of Legazpi City, Councilor Celoy Chan, has been “renting his All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) to foreign tourists [in direct contravention of the emergency laws] and even escorting them for a trip right near the lava front of the Mayon volcano.” A news report said.
- Evacuees in Legazpi City and Tabaco City shelters are being “shortchanged.” That is, they are only receiving half the amount of relief goods, especially rice, allocated to them. Every family is allocated 5 kilograms of rice daily but they only receive 2 ½ to 3kgs, according to another report.
- Province of Albay officials say about 2,500 tourists per day are flocking into the region to see Mayon activity, a rise of about 15 folds since the volcano became restive on December 14.
The following Bulletin was released by The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) today:
Mayon Volcano Bulletin 17 released on 30 December 2009
For the past 24 hours, one ash explosion occurred at Mayon Volcano (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E). The explosion produced a dirty white ash column that rose to about 100 meters above the summit and drifted to the northwest. Lava continued to flow down along the Bonga-Buyuan, Miisi and Lidong gullies. The lava front has now reached about 5.9 kilometers from the summit along the Bonga-Buyuan gully.
Mayon Volcano’s seismic network recorded 16 volcanic earthquakes. A total of 150 rock fall events related to the detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes was also detected by the seismic network. Yesterday’s measurement of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) rate yielded an average value of 4,397 tonnes per day (t/d). The volcano edifice remains inflated as indicated by the electronic tilt meter installed at the northeast sector of the volcano.
The status of Mayon Volcano is maintained at Alert Level 4. PHIVOLCS-DOST reiterates that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of 8-km on the southern sector of the volcano and 7-km on the northern sector should be free from human activity. Areas just outside of this EDZ should prepare for evacuation in the event hazardous eruptions intensify. 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. In addition, 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:
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Posted in Mayon activity, Mayon SO2, Mayon Volcano, Mt Mayon, Philippines volcanoes | Tagged: mayon ash explosion, Mayon december 30, mayon lava, Mayon tephra, mayon update, pyroclastic flows at mayon, tephra explosion, volcanic earthquake, volcano | 1 Comment »
Posted by feww on December 29, 2009
The Raging Lava Mill
Mayon Continues to Spew Lava and Eject Tephra
Lave spews out of Mt Mayon. Dated 27 December 27, 2009. Credit: Erik de Castro, Reuters. Image may be subject to copyright.
Highlights of news, observations, official and unofficial reports:
- 9 minor explosions during the past 24-hr observation period
- Explosions ejected tephra to a height of 2km above the summit
- Seismic activity high with 38 tremors recorded
- 171 incidents of rock fall reported as lava fragments detached from Mayon’s upper slopes
- Sulfur dioxide emission rate at 3,416 ton, almost unchanged from the previous day
- Fresh lava flowed along the Bonga-Buyuan, Miisi and Lidong gullies
- Lava advanced by an additional 100 meters to 5.8km from the summit crater
- Officials have declared the area a no-fly zone
- Tourists are strictly prohibited from entering the danger zone
- Pilots are advised to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit to prevent probable damage to aircraft caused by the ejected tephra.
The following Bulletin was released by The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) today:
Mayon Volcano Bulletin 16 released on 29 December 2009
Mayon Volcano (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) continued to be restive and exhibited 9 ash explosions during the past 24 hours. The explosions produced dirty white to light brown ash columns that rose to a maximum height of about 2000 meters above the summit before drifting towards the west and southwest.
Seismic activity remained at high level as a total of 38 volcanic earthquakes and 171 rock fall events related to the detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes was detected by the seismic network. Measurements of sulfur dioxide emission rate conducted yesterday yielded an average value of 3,416 tonnes per day (t/d).
Red hot lava continued to flow down along the Bonga-Buyuan, Miisi and Lidong gullies. At present, the lava front at Buyuan channel is approximately 5.8 kilometers downslope from the summit crater. From time to time, rolling down of incandescent lava fragments coming from the crater was observed.
The status of Mayon Volcano is maintained at Alert Level 4. PHIVOLCS-DOST reiterates that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of 8-km on the southern sector of the volcano and 7-km on the northern sector should be free from human activity. Areas just outside of this EDZ should prepare for evacuation in the event hazardous eruptions intensify. 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. In addition, 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:
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Posted in Mayon activity, Mayon SO2, Mayon Volcano, Mt Mayon, Philippines volcanoes | Tagged: Mayon 28 December, mayon seismic activity, Mayon tephra, pyroclastic flows at mayon, tephra explosion, volcano | 1 Comment »
Posted by feww on December 28, 2009
Mayon activity remains intense
Clouds partially cover Mayon volcano, as it ejects tephra in Legazpi City, Albay province December 28, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo). Image may be subject to copyright.
Highlights of news, observations, official and unofficial reports:
- Mayon activity remains intense
- The lava flowed about 5.7 km from the summit crater, nearing coconut plantations in the area
- 7 tephra explosions
- Tephra ejected to a height of about 2km above the summit
- 44 volcanic earthquakes
- 137 rock fall events
- Fresh lava continues to flow down the Bonga-Buyuan, Miisi and Lidong gullies.
- Sulfur dioxide emission rate reached 4,329 ton per day almost double the amount previous day.
- Volcanic Hazard warning remains at level 4, which means an explosive eruption could occur anytime.
- About 50,000 people are staying at 30 evacuation centers.
- The authorities said they were setting up an epidemiology surveillance unit at the provincial health headquarters.
- Local government said it discouraged “disaster tourism” in the light of tourists from the US, Europe and Asia flocking to the Albay province where Mt Mayon is located.
- A group of tourists who tried to venture into the 8-kilometer danger zone were ejected by the military at one of the nine checkpoints set up within the area.
The following Bulletin was released by The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) today:
Mayon Volcano Bulletin 15 released on 28 December 2009
For the past 24 hours, Mayon Volcano’s (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) intense level of unrest persisted. Seven ash explosions were observed during times of good visibility. The explosions produced dirty white to light gray ash columns that rose to a maximum height of about 2000 meters above the summit before drifting towards the southwest.
A total of 44 volcanic earthquakes and 137 rock fall events related to the detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes was detected by the seismic network. Red hot lava continuously flowed down along the Bonga-Buyuan, Miisi and Lidong gullies. Intermittent rolling of incandescent lava fragments were also observed. Yesterday’s measurement of
Alert Level 4 remains hoisted over Mayon Volcano. PHIVOLCS-DOST reiterates that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of 8-km on the southern sector of the volcano and 7-km on the northern sector should be free from human activity. Areas just outside of this EDZ should prepare for evacuation in the event hazardous eruptions intensify. 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. 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:
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Posted in Mayon activity, Mayon Volcano, Mt Mayon, Philippines volcanoes, SO2 emissions at mayon | Tagged: Mayon 28 December, mayon seismic activity, Mayon tephra, pyroclastic flows at mayon, volcano | 1 Comment »
Posted by feww on December 27, 2009
20 million m³ of lava spewed since Dec 14
Mayon edifice remains inflated despite voluminous lava extrusion
Highlights of news, observations, official and unofficial reports:
- Renewed high level of activity in the past 24 hrs
- At least 9 tephra explosions
- Tephra (ash, lapilli and volcanic bombs) ejected to maximum height of about 1 km above the summit
- 44 volcanic earthquakes
- 297 rock fall events
- 20 million m³ of lava extruded since Dec 14 [Unofficial figure]
- Edifice remained inflated despite voluminous lava flow during the past two weeks
- SO2 average daily emissions down to 2,304 tons per day due to brief clogging the previous day
- Water-rationing regime has begun at the makeshift evacuation centers (mostly local school classrooms)
The following Bulletin was released by The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) today:
Mayon Volcano Bulletin 14 released on 27 December 2009
Mayon Volcano (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) continued to exhibit a high level of activity during the past 24-hours observation period. Nine ash explosions accompanied by rumbling sounds were observed during times of good visibility, seven of which occurred from 4:20 AM to 5:49AM today. The explosions produced dirty white to brownish ash columns with lava fragments that reached heights from 800 to 1000 meters above the summit.
The seismic network detected 44 volcanic earthquakes and 297 rock fall events related to the detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes. Flowing red hot lava and rolling incandescent lava fragments temporarily slowed down after the 10:52 A.M. explosion earthquake yesterday and resumed early morning today after the 4:20 A.M. ash explosion. The apparent brief lull was also reflective of the decrease in the sulfur dioxide emission rate from the previous 8,993 tonnes per day to yesterday’s measurement of 2,304 tonnes per day.
Electronic tilt meter measurements at the northwest slope of Mayon Volcano (elevation 800m ASL), indicate that the edifice remained inflated despite the high volume of lava extruded since the start of the eruption on December 14, 2009.
Alert Level 4 remains hoisted over Mayon Volcano, meaning a hazardous eruption is possible within days. Thus, PHIVOLCS-DOST reiterates that the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) from the summit of 8-km on the southern sector of the volcano and 7-km on the northern sector should be free from human activity. Areas just outside of this EDZ should prepare for evacuation in the event hazardous explosive eruptions intensify. 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. 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:
Related Links:
Posted in Mayon activity, mayon edifice, Mt Mayon, Philippines volcanoes, SO2 emissions at mayon | Tagged: mayon 27 december, mayon seismic activity, Mayon volcano update, pyroclastic flows at mayon, tephra explosion, volcano | 2 Comments »
Fire Earth 