LUCENA CITY -- Volcanic earthquakes continue to shake Taal Volcano in Batangas province, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Saturday, October 11.
In its morning bulletin, Phivolcs said the volcano recorded 20 volcanic earthquakes in the past 24 hours, up from 11 quakes the previous day.
The main crater of Taal Volcano also produced a "voluminous emission" of steam-laden plumes that rose 2,100 meters before drifting towards three different directions, the agency observed.
The state volcanology agency said the volcano has emitted an average of 1,829 metric tons of sulfur dioxide daily since September 30.
From October 1 to October 11, a total of 109 volcanic earthquakes and four tremor episodes were recorded. In comparison, Phivolcs documented 189 volcanic earthquakes and 129 tremors in September.
READ: Taal Volcano logs 10 quakes in 24 hours - Phivolcs
The four tremors occurred during the two phreatic eruptions on October 2.
The agency explained that volcanic earthquakes are those "generated by magmatic processes or magma-related processes beneath or near an active volcano."
Volcanic tremors, meanwhile, are "continuous seismic signals with regular or irregular sine wave appearance and low frequencies (0.5-5 Hz)."
During the latest observation period, no upwelling of hot volcanic fluids was reported in the main crater lake of Taal Volcano Island (TVI), which sits at the center of Taal Lake.
No volcanic smog, or "vog," was also observed.
Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1 (low-level volcanic unrest), indicating abnormal activity.
These activities include a slight increase in volcanic earthquakes and steam/gas emissions, sporadic explosions from existing or new vents, a notable rise in hot spring temperatures, slight inflation or swelling of the edifice, and possible hydrothermal, magmatic, or tectonic disturbances.
Phivolcs reminded the public that entry to TVI, boating on Taal Lake, and flying aircraft near the volcano remain strictly prohibited. /das