About Isarog
Isarog is a stratovolcano rising to 1,966 meters (6,450 feet) in Philippines's Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. The volcano is currently active, with its most recent eruption in 3500 BCE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption.
Geography & Climate
Isarog is located in Philippines, within the Eastern Philippine Volcanic Arc of the broader Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. Situated at 13.66° N, 123.38° E in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,966 meters above sea level, Isarog 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
Isarog 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 Isarog, 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
Isarog has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 3500 BCE to 3500 BCE.
GVP Reference Summary
The broad isthmus between Lagonoy Gulf and San Miguel Bay in SE Luzon is occupied by Mount Isarog. The andesitic stratovolcano is truncated by a 2.5-km-wide crater that is breached to the east along a narrow valley drained by the Quinarag River. A major debris avalanche deposit extends NW to the coast and into San Miguel Bay. Pyroclastic flows originating from lava dome collapses have occurred during the Holocene, one of which has a calibrated radiocarbon date of about 5,500 years BP. The Maalsom vent displays gas seepages, warm springs, and steaming vents.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3500 BCE | — | Confirmed Eruption | — |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Isarog
Is Isarog an active volcano?+
Isarog is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "Eruption Dated." The last known eruption was in 3500 BCE. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
When did Isarog last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Isarog occurred in 3500 BCE. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Isarog has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Isarog?+
Isarog has a summit elevation of 1,966 meters (6,450 feet) above sea level. At 1,966 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Isarog?+
Isarog 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 Isarog located?+
Isarog is located in Philippines, in the Western Pacific Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Eastern Philippine Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 13.658° latitude, 123.380° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Isarog?+
Isarog 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.
