Mayon volcano, Philippines: eruption 2018 (part 1, 22-25 Feb) - lava flows
Mayon started to erupt again in January 2018, producing several lava flows on the southern and southeastern flanks along with frequent episodes of weak to strong lava fountaining and associated ash plumes, as well as pyroclastic flows triggered by collapse of the lava flow fronts.
Since the eruption seemed to be relatively long-lasting, we decided to visit the volcano during 22-27 Feb. Activity had decreased to mostly quiet lava effusion when observed during the first days (22-25 Feb):
[next gallery: Part 2 - explosions]
Since the eruption seemed to be relatively long-lasting, we decided to visit the volcano during 22-27 Feb. Activity had decreased to mostly quiet lava effusion when observed during the first days (22-25 Feb):
[next gallery: Part 2 - explosions]
22 Feb 2018: as we fly towards Legazpi, Mayon volcano comes into view as we pass its northern neighb... [info]
(542 Éxitos)
(542 Éxitos)
Mayon is one of the most impressive and perfectly symmetrical stratovolcanoes in the world. View is ... [info]
(1170 Éxitos)
(1170 Éxitos)
A light ash plume can be seen rising from the top of the volcano where the active vent of the 2018 e... [info]
(382 Éxitos)
(382 Éxitos)
Our plane actually passes through the ash plume during its descend towards Legazpi city airport (whi... [info]
(259 Éxitos)
(259 Éxitos)
Shortly before landing, the two main active lava flows (Miisi and Bonga valleys on the southern and ... [info]
(253 Éxitos)
(253 Éxitos)
Landed safely in Legapzi! Umbrellas are handed to passengers for the short transit to the terminal: ... [info]
(256 Éxitos)
(256 Éxitos)
The volcano is only approx. 10 km distance from the airport, which in turn is located well inside th... [info]
(227 Éxitos)
(227 Éxitos)
Lignon Hill, an ancient cinder cone from a flank eruption of Mayon, near the airport is one of the b... [info]
(234 Éxitos)
(234 Éxitos)
In the evening, the lava flows start gradually to show incandescence. The view is from Ligon Hill SS... [info]
(218 Éxitos)
(218 Éxitos)
From this location, only the two larger lava flows can be seen. Their most advanced active fronts ar... [info]
(209 Éxitos)
(209 Éxitos)
After nightfall, the lava flows are well visible, but only their upper 1-2 km are showing continuous... [info]
(269 Éxitos)
(269 Éxitos)
An isolated small explosion occurred in the evening around 19:15 local time, generating a small ash ... [info]
(597 Éxitos)
(597 Éxitos)
Much of the visible incandescence of the lava flows comes from the near-continous, but mostly small ... [info]
(269 Éxitos)
(269 Éxitos)
23 Feb early dawn: during the night, the lava flow activity seemed to have increased; at times, the ... [info]
(640 Éxitos)
(640 Éxitos)
Eastern winds bring a lot of moisture from the Pacific, resulting in the almost permanent presence o... [info]
(236 Éxitos)
(236 Éxitos)
The lava flow on the SE side (Bonga valley, right) has produced a lateral breakout tongue from the m... [info]
(242 Éxitos)
(242 Éxitos)
Shortly before dawn: misty clouds, the bluish light and the lava glow create a particular ambiance. ... [info]
(234 Éxitos)
(234 Éxitos)
Zoom onto the upper part of Mayon, where the active lava flow can be seen splitting into 3 flows (th... [info]
(261 Éxitos)
(261 Éxitos)
Wider view with traces of glowing rockfalls on top of the lava flows. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(229 Éxitos)
(229 Éxitos)
Impression from the end of the Blue Hour. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(188 Éxitos)
(188 Éxitos)
Shortly before sunrise, the red glow of the lava disappears fast. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(188 Éxitos)
(188 Éxitos)
The first sunrays kiss the volcano's summit. this zone is occupied by dense and vast palm groves, a ... [info]
(183 Éxitos)
(183 Éxitos)
Within minutes, the cone is bathed in the golden morning light. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(177 Éxitos)
(177 Éxitos)
Concrete walls have been built to reinforce the banks of the numerous valleys draining from the volc... [info]
(183 Éxitos)
(183 Éxitos)
A small steam puff occurs in the morning, but despite waiting many hours, no true explosive activity... [info]
(191 Éxitos)
(191 Éxitos)
23 Feb evening: no significant changes were observed. The lava flows remain very active in their upp... [info]
(200 Éxitos)
(200 Éxitos)
Dense clouds from condensating moist air start to arrive again from the east, hugging the volcano. (... [info]
(182 Éxitos)
(182 Éxitos)
The near full moon illuminates our observation point. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(171 Éxitos)
(171 Éxitos)
Andrey and Marina, part of our Kamchatka volcano team, have joined in our short volcano tour as well... [info]
(190 Éxitos)
(190 Éxitos)
Most of the evening, the volcano remains largely hidden in the clouds. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(156 Éxitos)
(156 Éxitos)
During a brief pause, the clouds seem to lift (but returned and made us give up observation for toni... [info]
(193 Éxitos)
(193 Éxitos)
24 Feb: the enchanting Vera Falls at the foot of neighboring Mt Malinao Volcano NE of Mayon are a pl... [info]
(210 Éxitos)
(210 Éxitos)
Some locals rather prefer to rest during the day when it is hot. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(216 Éxitos)
(216 Éxitos)
25 Feb afternoon. After 24 hours of non-stop heavy rain, we decide to visit the Cagsawa ruins in the... [info]
(168 Éxitos)
(168 Éxitos)
Mayon volcano mirrored in a flooded rice field (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(984 Éxitos)
(984 Éxitos)
The remnants of the bell-tower and walls of the cathedral are the most prominent ruins left of Cagsa... [info]
(156 Éxitos)
(156 Éxitos)
