Kanlaon volcano emits over 3 244 tonnes of sulfur dioxide amid ongoing increased unrest, Philippines

Kanlaon volcano emitted 3 244 tonnes of sulfur dioxide on October 19, as part of its ongoing increased unrest. The increase in sulfur dioxide emissions is linked to shallow magmatic movement beneath the volcano, raising concerns about potential explosive eruptions. 

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported several brief episodes of gray ash emissions, which were observed at 06:41 local time,  07:01, and 08:01.

These emissions lasted between two to six minutes and produced light-gray plumes that rose approximately 500 m (1 640 feet) above the crater before drifting southwest.

Traces of ash were reported in Yubo and Ara-al, La Carlota City, and Sag-ang, La Castellana.

On October 18, SO₂ emissions were averaging 2 769 tons per day, with recent reports indicating an increase to 4 133 tons per day since the June eruption. 

The emission of sulfur dioxide and the resulting seismic activity are linked to shallow magmatic movement beneath the volcano, indicating that it is experiencing increased volcanic instability. 

This activity raises concerns about the possibility of more explosive or dangerous magmatic eruptions in the future.

The volcano is on Alert Level 2 on June 3, 2024, following a significant eruption that sent a thick plume of ash up to 7.6 km (25 000 feet).

Kanlaon volcano is located in the central Philippine provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental. The volcano’s geographical location poses a concern to the local population due to the high risk of volcanic hazards like pyroclastic flows, ashfall, and lava flows.

PHIVOLCS employs a network of IP cameras and seismic monitoring systems to track the volcano’s activity. 

The observations show that the volcano’s structure is inflated, with continual degassing from the summit crater contributing to present activity. 

These monitoring activities are important for determining the volcano’s state and communicating timely warnings to nearby communities.

In light of the recent activity, PHIVOLCS has barred entry into the volcano’s 4 km (2 miles) Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and cautioned pilots to avoid flying in the area due to the potential of abrupt steam-driven or phreatic eruptions. 

Residents are asked to be cautious and adhere to safety practices as the situation develops.

PHIVOLCS is in charge of monitoring the Kanlaon Volcano. The continued volcanic activity has a considerable impact on local populations nearby, particularly residents of La Castellana.

Kanlaon volcano (also spelled Canlaon) forms the highest point on the Philippine island of Negros. The massive andesitic stratovolcano is covered with fissure-controlled pyroclastic cones and craters, many of which are filled by lakes. The largest debris avalanche known in the Philippines traveled 33 km (20 miles) SW from Kanlaon.

The summit contains a 2 km (1.2 miles) wide, elongated northern caldera with a crater lake and a smaller but higher active vent, Lugud crater, to the south.

Eruptions recorded since 1866 have typically consisted of phreatic explosions of small-to-moderate size that produce minor local ashfall.

References:

¹ Kanlaon Volcano Summary of 24Hr Observation 20 October 2024 12:00 AM – PHIVOLCS – October 19, 2024

² Kanlaon Geological Summary – GVP – Accessed October 20, 2024

Harsha Borah

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