MAYON VOLCANO BULLETIN 15 August 2014 1:00 P.M. Visual observation of Mayon Volcano’s summit crater on 12 August 2014 revealed the growth of a new lava dome approximately 30m-50m high. This event was preceded by inferred low-volume intrusions, signified by: (a) episodes of very slight inflation or swelling of the middle slopes of the edifice since the 7 May 2013 phreatic eruption, based on Precise Leveling, continuous tilt and continuous GPS measurements, and; (b) significant increases in SO2 flux beyond the baseline level of 500 tonnes/day, based on campaign and continuous gas measurements for the past two months. Other monitored parameters such as the occurrence of volcanic earthquakes and rockfall, however, have remained at baseline levels, while almost no crater glow or banaag has been detected in the last four months. The growth of the new summit dome, slight ground deformation and increased volcanic gas emission likely signify the slow intrusion and degassing of magma. The absence of other outstanding precursors may be due to very low magma intrusion rates. Based on Mayon’s behavior exhibited in recent eruptions, current observations may indicate the advent of quiet lava extrusion that may eventually lead to greater unrest. In view thereof, PHIVOLCS is raising the Alert Level of Mayon Volcano from Alert Level 1 to Alert Level 2. This means that magma is intruding at depth and that current conditions may eventually lead to a larger eruption. The public is strongly advised to be vigilant and desist from entering the six (6) kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) to minimize risks from sudden explosions, rockfall and landslides. PHIVOLCS maintains close monitoring of Mayon Volcano and any new development will be communicated to all concerned stakeholders.
Posted on: Fri, 15 Aug 2014 08:03:18 +0000
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