The beautifully symmetrical Mayon Volcano is the most prominent landform and most famous symbol of Albay and the Bicol Region. It is located 15 kilometers northwest of Legazpi City. Here are some interesting facts about Mayon Volcano:

Location: Albay, 300 km southeast of Manila (13°15.4′N, 123°41.1’E)
Elevation: 2,462 meters (8,077 feet)
Base Diameter: 20 km
Base Circumference: 62.8 km (reckoned from 10-km radius) encompassing the towns of Camalig, Malilipot and Sto. Domingo
Area: 314.1 square kilometers (estimated from 62.8 km base circumference)
Type of Volcano: Stratovolcano
Adjacent Volcanic Edifice: Mt. Malinao, Lignon Hill and Balong Gloria Hill

Rock Type: Basalt to Olivine-bearing Pyroxene Andesite
Tectonic Setting: Bicol Volcanic Chain (including Mt. Isarog and Mt. Iriga in Camarines Sur, Mt. Malinao and Mt. Masaraga in Albay and Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon)

Volcanic Activity

Number of Historical Eruptions: 48
Latest Eruption/Activity:

09 July 2009; 8:00 AM

Mayon Volcano’s status remains at Alert Level 1. This means that a hazardous eruption is unlikely. The public, however, is reminded that the 7-km Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) at the southeaster flank of the volcano and the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) at other areas remain off-limits due to the continuing threat from sudden small explosions and rockfalls from the upper slopes. Active river channels and those areas perennially identified as lahar-prone around the volcano should be avoided when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall.

Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology

Eruption Type:

Strombolian (e.g.. 1978, 1st phase of 1984 eruption)
Vulcanian (e.g. 1st phase of 1968 eruption, 2nd phase of 1984 eruption)
Plinian (e.g. 1814)

Precursors to Eruptions:

1. Increase in seismicity level  (Background: 0-10 volcanic quakes per day)
2. Ground tilt due to magma intrusion.
3. Change in color of steam emission from white to gray due  to entrained ash
4. Increase in the volume of steam emission
5. Crater glow due to  presence of magma at or near the  crater.
6. Rumbling sounds due to gas explosions, wall fracturing, landslides

Type of Hazards:

1. Airfall tephra
2. Lava flows
3. Pyroclastic flows
4. Lahars

Permanent Danger Zone:  six (6) km radius from the summit

Source: Phivolcs and Mayon Ecotourism