Mount Mayon

Mayon has the classic conical shape of a stratovolcano. It is the most active  volcano in the Philippines. Since 1616, Mayon has erupted 47 times. The beautifully symmetrical Mayon volcano, which rises to 2,460 meters above the Albay Gulf, is the Philippines' most active volcano. The structurally simple volcano has steep upper slopes that average 35-40 degrees and is capped by a small summit crater. The historical eruptions of this basaltic-andesitic volcano date back to 1616 and range from Strombolian to basaltic Plinian. Eruptions occur predominately from the central conduit and have also produced lava flows that travel far down the flanks. Pyroclastic flows and mudflows have commonly swept down many of the approximately 40 ravines that radiate from the summit and have often devastated populated lowland areas.

The most recent  eruption, in 1993, began unexpectedly with an explosion. The initial eruption  lasted only 30 minutes but it generated pyroclastic flows that killed 68 people  and prompted the evacuation of 60,000 others. This photo shows pyroclastic flows  descending Mayon on March 2, 1993.

Summit of Mayon  with a small ash plume. March 7, 1993.

Mythical  Origins of Mayon

But until today (2007) Mayon has changed its shape more and more.

Nue  ardentes, like the ones in the left photo, were recorded at 18 of these  eruptions. Twelve eruptions have caused fatalities. Photograph by Jim Moore,  U.S. Geological Survey, April, 1968.

The Legend of Magayon Legend attempts to unravel the mystery of the origin of this magnificent chunk of earth. It seems that there once lived a very beautiful native princess who had an uncle named Magayon. He was so possessive of his niece that no man dared to challenge his wrath by courting the favors of the young maiden. One day, however, a brave and virile warrior was so smitten by the princess that he threw all cares to the wind, clambered up through the window of the royal chamber and enticed the girl to elope with him. With Magayon at their heels, the couple prayed to the gods for assistance. Suddenly from out of nowhere, a landslide buried the raging uncle alive. Local folks now claim that it is Magayon's anger bursting forth in the form of eruptions.