This project will define the stratigraphy and extent of the major volcaniclastic units and analyze their textures, facies, and depositional characteristics of the ignimbrites and related surge and lahar deposits. Combination of data from the reworked and primary deposits will allow interpretation of the history of explosive volcanism and catastrophic sedimentation, including pyroclastic flow-lahar transitions. The study will yield data pertinent to several unusual and important problems: 1) Caldera development in the Taal magmatic system. 2) The nature of mafic ignimbrites, their shallow submarine equivalents, and transitions to sediment gravity flows. 3) The emplacement mechanisms of widespread surge-like deposits that have previously been attributed to base surges. A by-product of the geological information gained, and the collaboration with PHIVOLCS, will be an improved understanding of volcanic and related hazards for the Greater Manila region.
