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]
(760 Éxitos)
(760 Éxitos)
Mayon is one of the most impressive and perfectly symmetrical stratovolcanoes in the world. View is ... [info]
(1531 Éxitos)
(1531 Éxitos)
A light ash plume can be seen rising from the top of the volcano where the active vent of the 2018 e... [info]
(445 Éxitos)
(445 Éxitos)
Our plane actually passes through the ash plume during its descend towards Legazpi city airport (whi... [info]
(312 Éxitos)
(312 Éxitos)
Shortly before landing, the two main active lava flows (Miisi and Bonga valleys on the southern and ... [info]
(296 Éxitos)
(296 Éxitos)
Landed safely in Legapzi! Umbrellas are handed to passengers for the short transit to the terminal: ... [info]
(302 Éxitos)
(302 Éxitos)
The volcano is only approx. 10 km distance from the airport, which in turn is located well inside th... [info]
(293 Éxitos)
(293 Éxitos)
Lignon Hill, an ancient cinder cone from a flank eruption of Mayon, near the airport is one of the b... [info]
(289 Éxitos)
(289 Éxitos)
In the evening, the lava flows start gradually to show incandescence. The view is from Ligon Hill SS... [info]
(277 Éxitos)
(277 Éxitos)
From this location, only the two larger lava flows can be seen. Their most advanced active fronts ar... [info]
(248 Éxitos)
(248 Éxitos)
After nightfall, the lava flows are well visible, but only their upper 1-2 km are showing continuous... [info]
(333 Éxitos)
(333 Éxitos)
An isolated small explosion occurred in the evening around 19:15 local time, generating a small ash ... [info]
(714 Éxitos)
(714 Éxitos)
Much of the visible incandescence of the lava flows comes from the near-continous, but mostly small ... [info]
(349 Éxitos)
(349 Éxitos)
23 Feb early dawn: during the night, the lava flow activity seemed to have increased; at times, the ... [info]
(798 Éxitos)
(798 Éxitos)
Eastern winds bring a lot of moisture from the Pacific, resulting in the almost permanent presence o... [info]
(284 Éxitos)
(284 Éxitos)
The lava flow on the SE side (Bonga valley, right) has produced a lateral breakout tongue from the m... [info]
(294 Éxitos)
(294 Éxitos)
Shortly before dawn: misty clouds, the bluish light and the lava glow create a particular ambiance. ... [info]
(294 Éxitos)
(294 Éxitos)
Zoom onto the upper part of Mayon, where the active lava flow can be seen splitting into 3 flows (th... [info]
(333 Éxitos)
(333 Éxitos)
Wider view with traces of glowing rockfalls on top of the lava flows. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(321 Éxitos)
(321 Éxitos)
Impression from the end of the Blue Hour. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(235 Éxitos)
(235 Éxitos)
Shortly before sunrise, the red glow of the lava disappears fast. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(237 Éxitos)
(237 Éxitos)
The first sunrays kiss the volcano's summit. this zone is occupied by dense and vast palm groves, a ... [info]
(230 Éxitos)
(230 Éxitos)
Within minutes, the cone is bathed in the golden morning light. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(235 Éxitos)
(235 Éxitos)
Concrete walls have been built to reinforce the banks of the numerous valleys draining from the volc... [info]
(243 Éxitos)
(243 Éxitos)
A small steam puff occurs in the morning, but despite waiting many hours, no true explosive activity... [info]
(236 Éxitos)
(236 Éxitos)
23 Feb evening: no significant changes were observed. The lava flows remain very active in their upp... [info]
(572 Éxitos)
(572 Éxitos)
Dense clouds from condensating moist air start to arrive again from the east, hugging the volcano. (... [info]
(243 Éxitos)
(243 Éxitos)
The near full moon illuminates our observation point. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(217 Éxitos)
(217 Éxitos)
Andrey and Marina, part of our Kamchatka volcano team, have joined in our short volcano tour as well... [info]
(233 Éxitos)
(233 Éxitos)
Most of the evening, the volcano remains largely hidden in the clouds. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(185 Éxitos)
(185 Éxitos)
During a brief pause, the clouds seem to lift (but returned and made us give up observation for toni... [info]
(233 Éxitos)
(233 Éxitos)
24 Feb: the enchanting Vera Falls at the foot of neighboring Mt Malinao Volcano NE of Mayon are a pl... [info]
(259 Éxitos)
(259 Éxitos)
Some locals rather prefer to rest during the day when it is hot. (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(261 Éxitos)
(261 Éxitos)
25 Feb afternoon. After 24 hours of non-stop heavy rain, we decide to visit the Cagsawa ruins in the... [info]
(207 Éxitos)
(207 Éxitos)
Mayon volcano mirrored in a flooded rice field (Photo: Tom Pfeiffer) [info]
(1695 Éxitos)
(1695 Éxitos)
The remnants of the bell-tower and walls of the cathedral are the most prominent ruins left of Cagsa... [info]
(197 Éxitos)
(197 Éxitos)
