Kanlaon Volcano, a prominent andesitic stratovolcano, dominates the Negros Island landscape in the Philippines, reaching an elevation of 2,465 meters. Classified as an active volcano, it exhibits a history of predominantly phreatic eruptions, characterised by the expulsion of steam and ash driven by the interaction of magma with groundwater. These eruptions, while typically small to moderate in scale (VEI 1-2), pose a recurring threat to surrounding communities. The volcano’s edifice is marked by a complex morphology, featuring pyroclastic cones, craters, and a caldera to the north. Kanlaon’s geological setting, situated within the Negros Volcanic Belt, is influenced by the subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate. This tectonic activity fuels the volcano’s magmatic system and contributes to its persistent unrest.
| Location: | Negros Island, Philippines |
| Coordinates: | 10.411053, 123.131907 |
| Volcano Type: | Stratovolcano |
Kanlaon’s Location
Kanlaon’s Latest Status
2024: Phreatic eruption in June, producing a moderate ash plume. Followed by a more powerful explosive eruption in December with pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) observed on the southeastern slopes. Alert Level 3 raised.
Kanlaon’s Eruptive History
| Year | Activity Overview |
|---|---|
| 1819 | First historically recorded eruption, likely phreatic in nature, with ashfall reported in nearby areas. |
| 1866 | Moderate phreatic eruption, producing ash columns and minor ashfall. |
| 1886 | Significant phreatic eruption, generating a large ash plume and causing ashfall in several towns. |
| 1902 | Strombolian eruption with lava flows effusing from the summit crater and down the slopes. Ashfall and some damage to vegetation reported. |
| 1978 | Phreatic eruption with ash emissions and minor ashfall. |
| 1985 | Series of phreatic eruptions, producing ash plumes and causing temporary disruptions to air travel. |
| 1992 | Phreatic eruption with ashfall affecting nearby villages. |
| 1993 | Multiple phreatic eruptions, generating ash plumes that reached several kilometers in height. Ashfall reported in several towns and cities. |
| 1996 | Significant phreatic eruption with ashfall impacting communities up to 20 km away, leading to temporary evacuations. |
| 2002 | Period of increased seismic activity and gas emissions, indicating unrest within the volcano. No significant eruption occurred. |
| 2003 | Several phreatic eruptions, producing ash plumes and minor ashfall. |
| 2005 | Phreatic eruption with ash emissions and minor ashfall in nearby areas. |
| 2006 | Eruption with significant ashfall, prompting evacuations of communities within a 4-km radius of the summit. |
| 2015 | Increased seismic activity and ash emissions, leading to a period of heightened alert. |
| 2016 | Multiple ash eruptions, some reaching 3 km in height, with ashfall affecting surrounding areas. |
| 2020 | Elevated levels of steam and gas emissions observed, indicating continued activity within the volcano. |
| 2021 | Increased seismic activity and gas emissions, suggesting potential for future eruptions. |
| 2024 | Phreatic eruption in June, producing a moderate ash plume. Followed by a more powerful explosive eruption in December with pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) observed on the southeastern slopes. Alert Level 3 raised. |
Kanlaon’s Monitoring
For monitoring of this volcano, please refer to PHIVOLCS.
Kanlaon Images
