Taal Volcano Geography and Hazards

Study Notes

Located in southern Luzon, Philippines, and is one of the most active volcanoes in the country.
Has recorded around 35 eruptions since 3,580 BC.

Over 450,000 people live within 40 km of the caldera.
As of 28 March 2019, the hazard status was raised to Alert Level 1.
From 28 March 2019 to 1 December, 4,857 earthquakes were registered, with some felt nearby.

Inflation was detected during 21-29 November.
Increase in CO2 emission within the Main Crater was observed during this period.
Seismicity increased beginning at 11:00 on 12 January.

Phreatic (steam) explosions occurred from several points inside the Main Crater at 13:00 on 12 January.
Booming sounds were heard in Talisay, Batangas, at 14:00, and the plume reached 1 km above the crater by 14:02.
Alert Level was raised to 3 (magmatic unrest) at 14:02.
Seismic swarm began at 11:00 on 12 January, followed by a phreatic eruption at 13:00.
The initial activity consisted of steaming from at least five vents in the Main Crater and phreatic explosions that generated 100-m-high plumes.

Booming sounds were heard in Talisay, Batangas, at 14:00.
Volcanic tremor and earthquakes felt locally were accompanied by an eruption plume that rose 1 km at 14:04.
Ash fell to the SSW.
Alert Level was raised to 4, and a total evacuation of the island and high-risk areas within a 14-km radius was recommended at 17:30.
Eruption plume of steam, gas, and tephra significantly intensified, rising to 10-15 km altitude and producing frequent lightning.
Wet ash fell as far away as Quezon City (75 km N).