Mount Malinao is a potentially active[(2009-01-20). "The Tiwi Geothermal Power Plant" . JCMiras.net. Retrieved on 2011-09-24.]
Location
Malinao Volcano is situated between the provinces of
Albay and
Camarines Sur in the southeastern region of
Luzon Island; about north-northwest of
Mayon Volcano, the most active volcano in the Philippines.
Physical features
The mountain is forested with an elevation of above sea level and a base diameter of . On the summit of the volcano is a large crater with bare inner walls that are breached on the eastern side. On the lower flank this side of the predominantly
andesite volcano, is
Luzon's largest
and
, some of which deposit
siliceous sinter. Naglagbong and Jigabo are two thermal wells located on the volcano. Temperatures up to were recorded on the fumaroles of Naglagbong.
Tiwi Geothermal Power Plant
This area was one of the first studied for generating electricity starting with a 250 kW power plant in 1967.
[(2009-01-20). "The History of Geothermal Energy Development and Production in the Philippines" . JCMiras.net. Retrieved on 2011-09-24.] In 1979, the first of the three 110
Megawatt geothermal power plant was commissioned that year; the other two, in 1980 and 1982. At its peak, the plant was producing a maximum of 330 MW output. Recently, the 1979 plant was decommissioned due to decrease in steam supply.
[(2008-06-17). "Geothermal Power Plants in the Philippines. . JCMiras.net. Retrieved on 2011-09-24.][(2008-02-24). "Geothermal Energy Resources in the Philippines" . JCMiras.net. Retrieved on 2011-09-24.]
Classification
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the government bureau that deals with volcanism in the country classifies Malinao as a potentially active volcano.
Eruptions & activities
There are no historical eruptions from Malinao which is believed to have been active from about 500,000 years ago until 60,000 years ago.
1970 earthquake swarms
There was an increase in
seismicity in 1970 accompanied by rumbling noises in Malinao prompting an issue of warning that the mountain might be reactivating. The tremors detected were ranging from 1 to 5 in intensity.
Small explosion in 1980
There was a minor phreatic explosion in the Naglagbong pool area in Tiwi on July 29, 1980, ejecting mud and rocks up to , reaching in height and distances up to . One person was injured and two buildings were damaged by the explosion. Prior to the event, as early as July 6, the area was experiencing unusual
recorded at seismic station of the Commission on Volcanology (COMVOL) - the predecessor of PHIVOLCS - in the area.
was also observed on the pool, two hours before the explosion. One theory about the cause of the explosion was water drawdown during the development of the Tiwi geothermal field.
Mythology
The volcano is believed to be the home of the ancient Bicolano god of beasts,
Asuang, who challenged the supreme god of the
Bicolano people,
Gugurang. He is worshiped alongside his friend, Bulan, the boy-god of the moon.
See also
-
List of active volcanoes in the Philippines
-
List of potentially active volcanoes in the Philippines
-
List of inactive volcanoes in the Philippines
-
Pacific ring of fire
External links
-
Malinao, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) site.
