Mayon Volcano Activity: Intense
Mayon Volcano activity remains at high levels of intensity
Mayon Volcano spews ash as glowing lava cascades down its slope during a mild eruption, December 24, 2009. Credit: REUTERS/Erik de Castro. Image may be subject to copyright. Click image to enlarge.
During the past 24-hr observation period, the state vulcanologists observed and recorded:
- 96 ash explosions when visibility permitted.
- Columns of “light brown to grayish” ash ejected to a height of 2 km.
- 125 booming and rumbling sounds detected at the Lignon Hill Observatory in Legaspi City.
- Elevated seismic activity.
- 871 volcanic earthquakes.
- 98 rock fall events, “related to detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes.”
- Pyroclastic flows moved down within 2 km from the crater.
- Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission averaged at 2,738 tonnes/day.
- Volcano hazard warning remains at alert level 4.
The following Bulletin was released by The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) today:
Mayon Volcano Bulletin 12 released on 25 December 2009
Mayon Volcano (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) continued to show an intense level of activity during the past 24-hour observation period. Ninety-six (96) ash explosions were observed during times of good visibility. These explosions produced light brown to grayish ash columns that reached heights of up to 2 km. One hundred twenty five (125) rumbling and booming sounds from the volcano were heard at the Lignon Hill Observatory in Legaspi City. Seismic activity remained elevated as the seismic network recorded a total of eight hundred seventy one (871) volcanic earthquakes. Ninety eight (98) rock fall events, related to detachment of lava fragments at the volcano’s upper slopes, were also detected. Three of these events were observed to have generated pyroclastic flows that moved down within 2 km from the crater. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate was high and was measured at an average of 2,738 tonnes/day yesterday.
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:
-
Mayon Volcano Update 24 December 2009
-
Mayon Volcano Update 23 December
-
Mayon Volcano Update [22 December 2009]
Related Links:
- Mayon Alert Raised to Level 4
- 76% chance Mayon explodes before 2010
- Volcano UPDATE: Mt Mayon Could Explode
- Mayon Lava in Interesting Times!
- Mayon Volcano Oozes Lava
- Strong Earthquake Strikes Mindanao, Philippines
- VolcanoWatch Weekly [11 Nov 2009]
- Latest From TAAL and other Philippines Volcanoes
- Mount Mayon neighbors on evacuation alert
- Mayon Volcano Ejects Ash
- VolcanoWatch Weekly [18 Nov 2009]
- Mayon’s crater glow grows more intense
- Strong Earthquake Strikes Mindanao, Philippines
- VolcanoWatch Weekly [11 Nov 2009]
- Earth undergoing significant geophysical disturbances
Fire Earth 