About Musuan
Musuan is a lava dome rising to 610 meters (2,001 feet) in Philippines's Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 1.
Geography & Climate
Musuan is located in Philippines, within the Mindanao Volcanic Province of the broader Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 7.88° N, 125.07° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 610 meters above sea level, Musuan is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a minor (silicic), which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Musuan sits in a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another, creating intense heat and pressure that generates magma. Subduction zones are responsible for many of the world's most explosive volcanoes and deadliest eruptions. For communities in Philippines near Musuan, this tectonic setting means the volcano is capable of producing powerful explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, and lahars that can threaten populated areas within tens of kilometers of the summit. The dominant rock type is andesite / basaltic andesite, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms from rapidly cooling, low-viscosity lava. Basaltic eruptions tend to be less explosive and produce fluid lava flows that can travel long distances. While less immediately dangerous than explosive eruptions, basaltic lava flows can destroy structures and infrastructure in their path, and volcanic gases released during these eruptions can affect air quality over a wide area.
Eruption History Summary
Musuan has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 1886 CE to 1886 CE. The most powerful recorded event was a gentle, effusive event in 1886 CE, reaching VEI 1 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index.
GVP Reference Summary
Musuan, also known as Calayo, is an isolated, low grass-covered andesitic-to-dacitic lava dome and tuff cone that rises above flat farmland in the province of Bukidnon in central Mindanao. Maso (1902) related that in a 1891 document a Jesuit priest had reported that a volcano, along the River Palangui near a waterfall and where the river forms a very narrow canyon with steep high banks, had "burst into eruption some four years ago and constantly emits vapors which burn everything about... there is no flow of lava, but it emits a column of smoke so sulphurous as to prevent any approach." Although Maso (1902) attributed this activity to Musuan, the geographic description does not match, so both the nature and location of this event is uncertain. PHIVOLCS at one time listed eruptions in 1866 and 1867, but had removed those eruptions as of 2020. A strong earthquake swarm occurred nearby in 1976.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1886 | 1 | Uncertain Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Musuan
Is Musuan an active volcano?+
Musuan is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Evidence Uncertain." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Musuan last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Musuan occurred in 1886 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 1. The eruption was classified as a "Uncertain Eruption." Musuan has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Musuan?+
Musuan has a summit elevation of 610 meters (2,001 feet) above sea level. At 610 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Musuan?+
Musuan is classified as a Lava dome. Lava dome volcanoes have distinct geological characteristics that set them apart from other volcanic types.
Where is Musuan located?+
Musuan is located in Philippines, in the Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Mindanao Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 7.877° latitude, 125.070° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Musuan?+
Musuan can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Philippines may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
