Geochemical and isotopic evidence of volcanic plumbing system processes from fumarolic gases of Taal volcano, Philippines, prior to the January 2020 eruption

Abstract

Significant changes in the chemical and isotopic composition of Taal fumarolic gas have been recorded observed before the January 2020 eruption, during the periods 2011 and 2016–2018. Increasing CO2/St, He/CO2, CO/CO2 and CO2/CH4 ratios were recorded during 2011 whereas increasing SO2/H2S, H2/CO2 ratios were recorded during the period 2017–2018. A decreasing on the CO2/CH4 and CO2/St ratios was observed for 2017–2018. These changes are attributed to an increased contribution of magmatic fluids to the hydrothermal system in both periods. Observed changes in H2 and CO contents suggest increases in temperature and pressure in the upper parts of the hydrothermal system of Taal volcano. The 3He/4He ratios corrected (Rc/Ra), and δ13C of fumarolic gases also increased during the periods 2010–2011 and 2017–2018 before the eruption onset. These variations were produced by two episodes of magmatic intrusion which favored degassing of a gas-rich magma at depth. During the 2010–2011 the magmatic intrusion of volatile-rich magma might have occurred from the mid-crustal storage region at shallower depths producing important he observed changes in pressure and temperature conditions, whereas a new injection of more degassed magma into the deepest zone of the hydrothermal system occurring in 2017–2018 might have favored the accumulation of gases in the subsurface, promoting conditions leading to a phreatic eruption.