Malinao Volcano

Mount Malinao
Mount Malinao
Mount Malinao with Tiwi Geothermal Field in the foreground
Highest point
Elevation	1,548 m (5,079 ft)[1][2]
Prominence	1,400 m (4,600 ft)
Listing	Potentially active volcano
Coordinates	13°24′58″N 123°36′30″E / 13.41611°N 123.60833°E / 13.41611; 123.60833
Geography
Mount Malinao Location within Albay Show map of Albay Mount Malinao Mount Malinao (Luzon) Show map of Luzon Mount Malinao Mount Malinao (Philippines) Show map of Philippines
Country	Philippines
Region	Bicol Region
Provinces	Albay Camarines Sur
City/municipality	Buhi Malinao Tiwi
Geology
Rock age	500,000-600,000 years
Mountain type	stratovolcano
Volcanic arc/belt	Bicol Volcanic Chain
Last eruption	1980

Mount Malinao is a potentially active^[3] stratovolcano located in the Bicol Region of the Philippines. The volcano displays strong fumarolic activity which is harnessed for generating electricity. Located on its slope is Tiwi Geothermal Power Plant, one of the first geothermal energy plant commissioned in the country.^[4]

Malinao Volcano is situated between the provinces of Albay and Camarines Sur in the southeastern region of Luzon Island; about 20 km (12 mi) north-northwest of Mayon volcano, the most active volcano in the Philippines.

The mountain is forested with an elevation of 1,548 metres (5,079 ft) above sea level and a base diameter of 22.5 kilometres (14.0 mi). 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 andesitic volcano, is Luzon's largest solfataras and hot springs, some of which deposit siliceous sinter. Naglagbong and Jigabo are two thermal wells located on the volcano. Temperatures up to 108 °C (226 °F) were recorded on the fumaroles of Naglagbong.^[1][2]

This area was one of the first studied for generating electricity starting with a 250 kW power plant in 1967.^[5] In 1979, the first of the three 110 MW 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.^[6][7]

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.^[8][2]

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.^[1]

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.^[1]

There was a minor phreatic explosion in the Naglagbong pool area in Tiwi on July 29, 1980, ejecting mud and rocks up to 2⁄3 metre (2 ft 2 in), reaching 150 metres (490 ft) in height and distances up to 350 metres (1,150 ft). 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 microseisms recorded at seismic station of the Commission on Volcanology (COMVOL) - the predecessor of PHIVOLCS - in the area. Geysering 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.^[1]

The volcano is believed to be the home of the ancient Bicolano god of beasts, Asuang, who challenged the supreme god of the Bicolano, Gugurang. He is worshiped alongside his friend, Bulan, the boy-god of the moon.^[3]

• 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

• Malinao, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) site.
• "Malinao". Global Volcanism Program. Smithsonian Institution.