Mayon generates lava fountaining, effusion with pyroclastic flow

Mayon Volcano in Albay continues to exhibit effusive activity as it generates lava fountaining and lava effusion with pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) on Monday morning.

Recorded at 9:36 a.m., the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Quick Response Team and the Mayon Volcano Observatory (MVO) captured the short-lived lava fountaining from the Mayon Volcano summit crater.

In an exclusive interview with DAILY TRIBUNE, the Mayon Volcano Observatory (MVO) described lava fountaining as volcanic activity in which the volcano sprays glowing lava into the air.

Meanwhile, prior to the 9:36 a.m. lava-fountaining event, Mayon Volcano had earlier recorded lava effusion with a collapse-fed pyroclastic density current (PDC) from 6:31 a.m. to 6:46 a.m.

“Lava effusion is the slow flow of lava from the crater,” the MVO said.

“PDC or Pyroclastic Density Current is a combination of gas, ash, rocks, and debris collapsed and rapidly moves downslope from the crater,” the observatory pointed out.

Aside from the lava effusion and pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), PHIVOLCS also recorded 299 rockfall signals and 92 volcanic earthquakes in its latest 24-hour monitoring bulletin covering 12:00 a.m. on July 12 to 12:00 a.m. on July 13.

“Effusive eruption at Mayon Volcano continues for the 189th consecutive day, generating incandescent lava flows, pyroclastic density currents (PDC) or “uson”, and rockfalls”, PHIVOLCS added in its daily advisory.

The state volcanology institute, however, maintained Alert Level 3 over Mayon Volcano, with strict prohibition against entry into the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).