Taal Volcano

Be Aware of Whatever Comes Next with Taal Volcano

By Magnus Yohan Tamayo

Taal Volcano was formed aproximately 500,000 years ago by colliding two tectonic plates. This geological activity led to to what is famously known as the world’s smallest active volcano. Taal is unique in its structure—a lake within a volcano within another lake. While the volcano is often thought to be in Tagaytay Ciry due to its visibility from the city, Taal Volcano is situated in Batangas.

On Friday, October 18, Taal Volcano experienced a phreatic eruption, as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported. This type of eruption, caused by magma heating surface water, was first observed at midnight and lasted for 7 minutes and 39 seconds, extending into the early hours of Saturday. Massive steam-driven explosions were noted, sending plumes as high as 1,800 meters into the atmosphere. These plumes drifted southwest, although no volcanic earthquakes were recorded during the event.

Currently, Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, indicating low-level activity. However, it is essential to remain vigilant as conditions could change rapidly, potentially leading to hazards such as ashfall, similar to the event in 2020. Reflecting on the past, many students from the 2019–2020 school year, including those in elementary at the time, vividly recall the impact of the ashfall during that period. Keeping informed of volcanic updates is essential for preparedness.

Today, seismic activity continues, with two volcanic tremors detected, lasting between three to four minutes. The main crater lake shows an acidity level of 0.20, and its temperature was recorded at 72.7°C in February 2024. Sulfur dioxide emissions have reached 480 tons per day as of October 2024, gas dispersing towards the southwestern area. Ground deformation indicates slight long-term deflation of the larger Taal Caldera, coupled with short-term swelling on the northern and southeastern flanks of the volcano. Monitoring these changes is crucial in anticipating future volcanic activity.

As we continue to witness the volatility of Taal, it’s a reminder of the dynamic forces shaping our planet. Staying informed and prepared for the unexpected ensures our resilience against nature’s raw power. After all, the earth’s constant movement beneath our feet tells a story that’s as fascinating as it is unpredictable.