Taal Volcano: Large Eruption Imminent (VEI 4-6)

The highest-ever levels of volcanic sulfur dioxide (SO₂) gas emissions and tall, steam-rich plumes were recorded venting from the Taal volcano’s main crater.

On Saturday, July 3, 2021, the Philippine authorities said sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions averaged 14,699 tonnes over the course of the day (an all-time high) while upwelling in the Main Crater Lake generated steam plumes that rose 2,500 meters above the volcano on the island near Luzon, the Philippines.

The next day, Sunday, July 4, 2021, Taal’s SO₂ venting had increased to 22,628 tonnes over a 24-hour period — another new all-time high.

A number of 'strong and very shallow' low frequency volcanic earthquakes associated with magmatic degassing have been recorded beneath the eastern part of the Volcano Island. The Taal Volcano Network recorded 17 volcanic earthquakes, including one volcanic tremor event having a duration of 45 minutes, 16 low frequency volcanic earthquakes, and low-level background tremor that has persisted since 8 April 2021.

As sulfur dioxide can cause irritation to the respiratory system, thousands are evacuated from the Taal Volcano Island, as well as from nearby high-risk regions. Authorities have raised the alert level accordingly, suggesting that magma is at or near the volcano’s surface. Several phreatomagmatic eruptions were also recorded. These are volcanic eruptions resulting from interaction between magma and water.

The Taal volcano has an explosive and catastrophic history. The most recent VEI 4 occurred in January, 2020. This eruption displaced hundreds of thousands of people and lead to the closure of Manila Airport. Volcanologists are expecting another eruption of at least VEI 4, but an VEI 6 is also dreaded. The explosive effects of the latter can be equated with those of the explosive eruption of Krakatoa in 1883.

A VEI 6 eruption would bring about a near instant cooling of the planet due to the sunlight-blocking particulates ejected high into the stratosphere. However, even a smaller eruption may have an impact on the earth's climate.