Geology Picture of the Week, November 8-14, 2009: Mayon Volcano, Philippines

Various

[cogitator]

Not hard to figure out the inspiration for this one; frequently active and usually dangerous Mayon is set for another throat-clearing.

Mayon erupting:

Click for full-size:

Mayon not erupting:

Context image:

Nice panorama (click for full-size):

[cogitator]

Though it's not snow-covered like picturesque Fujiyama (or that even prettier one in Kamchatka that I can't remember right at the moment), Mayon is one of the world's most perfect stratovolcanoes. And it's a dangerous beauty.

[cogitator]

** ping (maybe BOOM!) **

[Justaham]

Mayon Volcano is one known as for its perfect cone. It is a beauty even after her eruption years ago.

[dangus]

Wow... all those side vents are erupting in perfect harmony! amazing!

[CalvaryJohn]

I don’t think those are side vents. If you are referring to the first picture, what you are seeing is the pyroclastic flow. The ash cloud collapses after the heat dissipates.

[dangus]

I was wondering about whether that could be what was happening, but the convergence looks much like the smoke is rushing towards the low pressure caused by the column of rising air, then it does like smoking falling away from the center. On the other hand, so many simultaneous side vents seems unlikely.

[dangus]

On second thought, they do all seem to be flowing towards the lowest points... I think you’re right.

[SuziQ]

And it's a dangerous beauty.

Indeed, it is. That picture at night, with the lava flowing down the center is really striking!