2.2.4 Case Study: Mount Mayon Flashcards
Mount Mayon
The most active volcano in the Philippines.
It is a composite volcano with records of eruptions dating back to 1616.
It covers and area of 250km2 and is surrounded by the city of Legaspi and 8 other towns. It is a popular tourist spot and is renowned for its symmetrical conical shape.
It has erupted regularly since 2000.
Mayon is formed as a result of subduction of the Philippine plate (oceanic) underneath the Sunda Plate (continental) as part of the “Pacific Ring of Fire”.
What is PHIVOLCS?
A Philippine government department which monitors volcanic eruptions.
Nuées ardentes
Turbulent, fast moving clouds of hot has and ash erupted from a volcano.
- Forms during explosive eruptions
- Flow downslope into valleys and speeds over 50 mph and temperatures of 200-400oC.
- They are often accompanied by larger rocks and boulders.
What was the date of the Mount Mayon eruption?
13th January 2018
How many people were evacuated?
An estimated 30,000 residents were evacuated.
Size of ash plume from Mount Mayon
The eruption blasted a steam and ash plume 2500m into the air - covering nearby towns in ash.
