Status of Taal

Volcano
July 1, 2021
Renato Solidum Jr.
Director PHILVOCS

On July 1, 2021, Alert Level 3 was raised in

Taal Volcano after a phreatomagmatic
eruption at the main crater. Under this
alert level, an explosive eruption is
possible. We talked to PHIVOLCS Director
Renato Solidum Jr. explained that Taal
Volcano is on its volcanic tremor due to
continuous eruption.
 Methods
of Volcanoes
Activities
Seismicity Monitoring
Seismic monitoring of Mount Rainier can be
used to detect the movement of magma
beneath or within the edifice that could
signal an imminent volcanic eruption.
Seismic monitoring can also be used to
detect the movement of glaciers on the
volcanic edifice or movement of the edifice
itself, which could signal impending glacier
outburst floods, rockfalls, or slope failures.
Monitoring of Ground Deformation
Two common precursors of volcanic eruptions are
uplift and lateral distension of the ground surface
caused by upward movement of magma beneath
and into the volcano. Such tumescence may involve
a portion of the volcano, the entire volcano, or a
broad region around it. Similarly, a common
precursor to large landslides is the slow creep or
slumping of a portion of the volcanic edifice. The
detection and measurement of these movements
using the techniques described below could provide
days to months of warning of impending eruptions
or edifice failures. Such movements may be no
larger than a few centimeters in magnitude;
consequently, high measurement precision is
required to detect them.
Monitoring of Hydrothermal Activity

Another potential precursor of volcanic

activity is a change in the composition or rate
of emission of gases and hydrothermal fluids
from the volcano. The detection of such
changes is facilitated by long-term records of
baseline measurements acquired through a
program of regular sampling and analysis. At
present, such measurements do not exist, but
they will be required for evaluating the
nature, magnitude, and significance of future
changes unless the changes are large.
Monitoring Changes in Surface Appearance
The distribution of snow and ice cover on Mount
Rainier is controlled by seasonal and climatic changes
and, on a local scale, by heat flow from the volcano.
Longer-term (decadal) climatic changes mainly
control the volume of glacier ice on the edifice.
Shorter-term seasonal changes mainly affect the
annual accumulation and melting of the snowpack.
Very short-term changes (much less than 1 year), due
to increases in hydrothermal or fumarolic activity or
transient heating events, could affect both the volume
of glacier ice and the distribution of the winter
snowpack. A short-term, nonseasonal change in
snowpack or ice volume might signal increased
thermal activity that could produce catastrophic
outburst floods, debris flows, or, possibly, eruption.
Disaster imagination relates to
the idea of envisioning or visualizing
the possible effects of disasters such
as earthquakes in various areas.
Yes, since disaster imagination is crucial in disaster
preparedness. It helps us to formulate strategies
and implement disaster preparedness protocols
that will ensure safety for communities.
The whole region surrounding Taal is at considerable volcanic risk.
Taal Volcano is situated in a highly populated and rapidly growing
agricultural and industrial region.
The geologic setting of Taal, and the variability of eruption sites
and magnitudes, generates a diverse range of volcanic hazards
Base surges Lakeshore Flooding
Lava flows Earthquakes
Ballistic fallout Ground fissuring and Subsidence
Ash and Scoria fallout Landslides
Toxic gases Sectoral collapse
Acidic Flashes from crater lake Turbulent Ashflows
Lake tsunamis and Seiches Lahars