Increased seismic energy recorded in Taal Volcano

A pronounced increase in real-time seismic energy measurement was recorded in Taal Volcano, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported yesterday.

- Bella Cariaso

Phivolcs said its visual observations also noticed the absence of degassing plume from Taal’s main crater since the start of the real-time seismic energy measurement increase on Jan. 4.

“The sharp increase in real-time seismic energy measurement and the lack of observable degassing from the main crater may indicate blockage or plugging of volcanic gas pathways within the volcano, which may lead to short-term pressurization and trigger a phreatic or even a minor phreatomagmatic eruption,” Phivolcs warned.