About Makaturing
Makaturing is a stratovolcano rising to 1,818 meters (5,965 feet) in Philippines's Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1882 CE. The volcano has produced 4 recorded eruptions, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2.
Geography & Climate
Makaturing is located in Philippines, within the Mindanao Volcanic Province of the broader Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 7.64° N, 124.32° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,818 meters above sea level, Makaturing 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
Makaturing 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 Makaturing, 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 basalt / picro-basalt, 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
Makaturing has 4 recorded eruptions in the geological database, spanning from 1856 CE to 1882 CE. The most powerful recorded event was an explosive event producing ash plumes up to several kilometers in 1865 CE, reaching VEI 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index. These eruptions span roughly 26 years of volcanic history.
GVP Reference Summary
Mount Makaturing is the central edifice in the Butig Mountains S of Lake Lanao in central Mindanao that includes a complex of volcanic cones and craters stretching 10 km E and 15 km WSW. Eruptions at one time attributed to Makaturing were ascribed to neighboring Ragang volcano to the east by the Catalog of Active Volcanoes of the World (Neumann van Padang, 1953), but PHIVOLCS has listed many eruptions for Makaturing. A dense cover of vegetation suggests long quiescence, but solfataric activity continues.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
4 Recorded Eruptions
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1882 | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 1865 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | — |
| 1858 | — | Uncertain Eruption | — |
| 1856 | — | Uncertain Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Makaturing
Is Makaturing an active volcano?+
Makaturing is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in 1882 CE, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Makaturing last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Makaturing occurred in 1882 CE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Makaturing has 4 recorded eruptions in total.
How high is Makaturing?+
Makaturing has a summit elevation of 1,818 meters (5,965 feet) above sea level. At 1,818 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Makaturing?+
Makaturing 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 Makaturing located?+
Makaturing is located in Philippines, in the Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Mindanao Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are 7.644° latitude, 124.317° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Makaturing?+
Makaturing 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.
