The increasing volcanic activities in the Pacific Ring of Fire have sparked speculations and concerns that a catastrophic disaster is coming. Based on the website Volcano Discovery, almost three dozen volcanoes throughout the Ring of Fire are currently erupting or showing unrest at this time. One of them is the Mayon Volcano in Albay. These volcanoes are exhibiting ash explosions, pyroclastic flows, and lava fountains, which are dangerous to the communities and animals around them.
But these activities are normal, according to Yosuki Aoki, assistant professor of Physical Volcanology at the University of Tokyo. Aoki stressed that volcanoes typically go through active and inactive cycles.
Inextricably Intertwined
According to the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) Center for Science Education, volcanic activities have an impact on climate change and vice versa. As the climate continues to deteriorate mainly because of man-made activities, these two can create devastating long-term effects on our planet.
Volcanic eruptions are part of the Earth’s natural processes. These happen when lava, gas, and other hot materials are thrown out of a volcano, or through its vent.
Its first stage happens when rocks inside the Earth’s crust melt, thus, producing magma, which is lighter than rocks. As magma fills the chamber, pressure builds. This pressure becomes intense when the chamber is already filled with thick and sticky magma, leading to an explosive eruption.
Volcanoes also release toxic gases during eruption. While water vapor comprises the biggest portion of gases released by a volcano, other particles such as carbon dioxide, hydrochloric acid, hydrogen fluoride, sulfur dioxide, and methane are also thrown into the atmosphere. These volcanic gases are harmful to humans, animals, and other living things. Aside from causing respiratory ailments, these may also inhibit plant growth.
On the other hand, a change in climate patterns, whether global or regional, is called climate change. It is largely attributed to the significant amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which are produced by human activities and our negligence to protect the environment.
Global Warming
Among the effects of climate change on our planet are global warming and cooling, rising sea levels, and the melting of glaciers. Global warming, which is the rise of the average global temperature in the last five decades, is caused by greenhouse gases trapped in the Earth’s atmosphere, which keeps heat from escaping.
A group of researchers from the University of Leeds in England studied the relationship of glaciers and volcanoes in Iceland. They concluded that there are fewer eruptions and lava volume when the climate is cooler, and the land has a thick glacial cover.
Researchers also found that when there is a glacial retreat, the pressure between the glacial ice and surface decreases. Thus, it is much easier for magma to rise into the surface.
Another study led by British and American researchers and published in the journal, Nature, shows that massive amounts of carbon dioxide from volcanic eruptions triggered a global warming episode 66 million years ago. This event is called the Palaeocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM). Scientists described the period as the “most rapid and extreme natural global warming event” in the last 66 million years. Almost 90% of the carbon dioxide emissions were from volcanic eruptions during that time. Large quantities of carbon resulted in its concentration in the atmosphere. An average global temperature increase of 5 degrees Celsius was observed for about 150,000 years.
Global Cooling
Volcanic eruptions also contribute to global cooling. Often called as “volcanic winter”, volcanic ash and sulfuric acid in the atmosphere reduce the global temperature. This is because particles block solar radiation.
In 1991, Mount Pinatubo unleashed massive eruption after an almost 600-year slumber. Ash and particles ejected into the atmosphere reached as high as 34 kilometers into the stratosphere. Thousands of civilians living within the 30-kilometer radius from the crater were evacuated days before and during the event.
During the June 15 climactic eruption, Typhoon Yunya struck the island of Luzon which brought wet ashfall to the entire island, and also affected several Asian countries such as Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. About 15 million tons of sulfur dioxide from Pinatubo went into the stratosphere, reacting with water to create aerosol particles, thus, blocking solar radiation. The aerosols scattered across the globe, and decreased the global temperature by about 0.6 degrees Celsius in the next 15 months after the eruption.
Natural vs Man–made
The interaction between volcanic eruptions and climate is a natural process since time immemorial. The Earth has endured many effects from this interaction.
However, the main contributors to the current climate crisis are man-made activities. These factors have already surpassed the effects of natural processes that triggered past global warming and cooling events.
The negative effects of human activities on the planet may aggravate the interaction between eruptions and climate. However, we can minimize the effects of this deadly interaction if we change our habits, and show concern and care for our environment.
By Panahon TV Intern Kent Ryan Masing
Mayon Volcano in the province of Albay is famous for having a “perfect cone” shape. But it is also known as the country’s most active volcano.
Thirty to forty lava domes are present in the volcano, which constantly release smoke. Due to its persistent threat of eruption, tourist activities such as mountain climbing and ATV driving have been prohibited within the volcano’s 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).
Its eruption on February 1, 1814 is considered its most destructive. Around 1,200 died to lahar that buried homes in Cagsawa, Malinao and Mounts Marasaga and Catburauan. This also led to the submerging of the Cagsawa Church, now known as the Cagsawa Ruins. In recent memory, five climbers died due to a sudden spewing of ash and rocks from the volcano last May 7, 2013.
Since Sunday, January 14, 2018, thousands have been evacuated along the path of Mayon Volcano with the threat of its “hazardous eruption”. This came after Phivolcs raised Alert Level 3, warning the possibility of a hazardous eruption. The highest warning, Level 5, means an eruption is ongoing.
Here are photos and videos captured by netizens in Legazpi, Albay:
Lava flow from Mayon volcano’s summit/Bert Racamunda
11,000 persons were evacuated. As of today, 2,100 packs have been sent to centers in Camalig, and 1,500 packs to Guinobatan
SAFETY TIPS
The Office of Civil Defense released safety measures before, during and after an eruption.
BEFORE
KNOW THE SIGNS OF AN IMPENDING ERUPTION.
– Increase in the frequency of volcanic quakes accompanied by rumbling sounds (no need for periods kasi hindi naman complete sentences)
– Change in color of steam emission from white to gray
– Drying up of vegetation springs and wells around the volcano
– Development of new thermal areas or reactivation of old ones
KNOW THE COMMUNITY’S SAFETY PLANS.
– Always monitor volcano updates and watch out for advisories and warnings
– Know the location of the evacuation site and the fastest and safest way to go there
– Prepare your family’s GO BAG containing items needed for survival
DURING
STAY AWAY FROM DANGER ZONES.
– When notified, immediately evacuate to safer ground
– Assist in evacuating children, pregnant women, PWDs and older people
– Cover your mouth with wet cloth and wear protective goggles
– Keep your pet in their shelter or inside to keep them from inhaling ash
– Stay away from rivers and streams for possible lahar flow
AFTER
REMAIN ALERT AND BE CAUTIOUS.
– Leave the evacuation area only when authorities say it is safe
– Wear a mask when cleaning
– Scrape off the accumulated ash on your roof to prevent its collapse
– Shake loose ash from plants before watering
Classes have been suspended in parts of parts of Visayas as the inclement weather continues. Cancellations were also made in parts of Bicol Region amidst the impending eruption of Mayon Volcano.
ALL LEVELS
Tacloban City
Palo, Leyte
ALL LEVELS
Sto. Domingo
– Lidong Elem School
– Sta. Misericordia Elem School
– Fidel Surtida Elem School
– San Fernando Elem School and High School
– Salvacion Elem School
– Bical High School
– San Andres Elem School
PRESCHOOL TO HIGH SCHOOL
Guinobatan
– Guinobatan East Central School
– Lower Binogsacan Elem. School
– Lower Binogsacan High School
– Muladbucad
– Grande Elem.School
Camalig
– Anoling Elem School
– Cabangan Elem School
– Camalig North Central School
Tabaco City
– Mayon Elem School
– Bantayan National High School
– San Antonio Elem School
– San Antonio National High School
– Magapo Elem School
– Oson Elem School
– Buhain Elem School
– Comon Elem School
– Comon National High School
– Nagsipit Elem School
Mayon Volcano in the province of Albay is famous for having a “perfect cone” shape, its beauty prodding the government to declare it a natural park and a protected landscape in 1938.
But nowadays, this natural wonder is temporarily closed from the public, prohibiting tourist activities such as mountain climbing and ATV driving within its 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) because of its possible eruption. Entering the PDZ puts people at risk, not only for its sudden explosion, but also for rock fall and landslides.
What makes the situation different from past abnormalities is the presence of a 30 to 40-meter lava dome on what PHILVOLCS calls our country’s most active volcano, a swelling on the 200-meter crater that releases smoke. If the lava dome increases its size, blocks the crater and is followed by a consistent, intense degassing, a full blast explosion will occur.
PHIVOLCS has kept the warning on Alert Level 2 as Mayon continues to emit volcanic gas. Its anticipated “big bang” is predicted to be magmatic, affecting over 28,000 families in 66 barangays. But the voluminous pyroclastic flows composed of hot rocks and gas are not the sole threat; volcanic ash fall is also a risk that comes without precursors. Ash fall comprises of pulverized minerals and rocks, which may inflict discomfort to the eyes, skin and respiratory system. Also, its large volume can cause roofs to collapse.
It has been four years since the volcano’s last eruption, which typically happens within an interval of four to twelve years. Although there were just three to six-year intervals in Mayon’s recent eruptions, its potential major outburst can be observed at least three months in advance, with the help of PHIVOLCS’ instruments and observation of the volcano’s physical appearance.
Over 30,000 individuals may need to evacuate from the slopes of the volcano in the next few days. Albay Governor Joey Salceda has also issued a health advisory last August 19 (Tuesday), including the identification of evacuation centers per local government unit, deployment of a rapid assessment and survey team, water facilities, toilet facilities, a disposal system and medical stations, among others.
DISTINCT VOLCANIC EVENTS
The Mayon volcano has a lengthy history of activity. Here are some of its noteworthy eruptions:
February 1, 1814
Considered as the most destructive eruption of Mayon with 1,200 deaths to lahar that buried homes in Cagsawa, Malinao and Mounts Marasaga and Catburauan. This also led to the submerging of Cagsawa Church, now Cagsawa Ruins.
June 4 – July 23, 1897
350 people died during its 17-hour violent phase, mostly due to pyroclastic flows.
December 14, 2009
Alert level 3 was raised after 83 volcanic quakes transpired in just one day leading residents to an almost 2-month stay in evacuation sites. There were no casualties in spite of the lava flows and increased sulfur dioxide emissions.
May 7, 2013
Five climbers died due to a sudden spewing of ash and rocks from the volcano.
For more facts about the Mayon Volcano, check out the photo below:
George Vincent Gamayo is a senior segment producer of Panahon TV aired daily at 5:00 AM on the People’s Television (PTV). He is also the writer and director of PROJECT DINA or Disaster Information for Nationwide Awareness, a flagship project of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and Office of Civil Defense which serves as a public exposition and access of disaster risk reduction and management information materials.
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