Automatic continual observation of eruption clouds at Mayon volcano started on June 22, 2003.

Mayon volcano is currently the most active in the Philippines, having its crater at the top of beautifully cone-shaped mountain, 2462 m above sea level.
In the 1993 eruptions, 77 people perished in the pyroclastic flows.
In 2000 and 2001, big eruptions with lava and pyroclastic flows occurred: Over 25000 people evacuated temporarily.
Violent eruptions of Mayon are strong threats to the aviation safety.
The volcano is monitored by PHIVOLCS by means of a seismographic network, COSPEC and other instruments.

Methods of continual observation

1. Digital still camera: one photo/hour for general index (June - Aug. 2003)

2. Video camera 0.5 sec record with 5 or 10 min. interval (June 2003 - )

3. Network camera observation (Local: Feb. -Mar. 2004; Internet: Apr. 2004 - )

Photos

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View from Cagsawa Ruins, 10km south from the crater.

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Cagsawa church was destroyed by the pyroclastic flow of a large Plinian type eruption in 1814.
This was the most violent and destructive eruption of the 47 recorded since 1616.

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Mayon Volcano and Lignon Hill from Legazpi Airport

wide	tele	Lignon Hill

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Mayon Volcano Observatory

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Camera Setting

Left side	Frontage	Right side

Antenna

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Panoramic view from MVO

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Fields of view from MVO,Lingnon Hill

Comparison of video and digital still cameras All times are in Philippines Standard Time (GMT+0800)

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Digital still camera: standard vs. tele

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Cap and banner clouds in video records

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Views from Alicia Hotel in Legazpi city, 13 km SSE from the crater on 24 June

Wide	Tele

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Views from Mabinet channel, 4-6 km from the crater on 24 June.

Wide	Tele

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Links and References

PHIVOLCS, Philippine Institute of Volcanology & Seismology


S. G. Catane et al., Active Volcanoes in the Philippines - Mayon, Pinatubo, and Taal, IUGG 2003 Field Trip A5 Guidebook, 2003.

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Mayon Top

comments welcome: Kisei Kinoshita, Kagoshima Univ.