About Cabalían
Cabalían is a stratovolcano rising to 912 meters (2,992 feet) in Philippines's Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1820 CE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Cabalían is located in Philippines, within the Eastern Philippine Volcanic Arc of the broader Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 10.29° N, 125.22° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 912 meters above sea level, Cabalían is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Cabalían 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 Cabalían, 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
Cabalían has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 1820 CE to 1820 CE.
GVP Reference Summary
Mount Cabalían, at the SE tip of Leyte Island, is dissected by steep radial ridges that are moderately to thickly vegetated. A lake fills the summit crater of the andesitic volcano, which has an irregular rim with two high peaks on the southern side. A thermoluminescence date of about 510,000 years BP was obtained from Cantoloc stratovolcano immediately to the NW. A radiocarbon date of about 135 +/- 30 years BP was obtained from a pyroclastic-flow deposit from Cabalían. Hot springs are found on the E and W flanks.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1820 | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabalían
Is Cabalían an active volcano?+
Cabalían is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 1820 CE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Cabalían last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Cabalían occurred in 1820 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Cabalían has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Cabalían?+
Cabalían has a summit elevation of 912 meters (2,992 feet) above sea level. At 912 meters, it is a relatively low-elevation volcano.
What type of volcano is Cabalían?+
Cabalían is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Cabalían located?+
Cabalían is located in Philippines, in the Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Eastern Philippine Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 10.285° latitude, 125.218° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Cabalían?+
Cabalían 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.
