Research

As the national university, we champion and support innovative research that addresses the country’s most pressing challenges.

25 Jul 2023

UP Diliman

The seaweed Saccharina japonica, an important aquaculture crop, shows increased photosynthetic activity under blue light

Saccharina japonica kelps grow naturally in the subtidal zone up to more than 20 m, where blue light (400–500 nm) is...

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21 Jul 2023

UP Los Baños

Teachers are influenced by their own beliefs in how they promote scientific argumentation in class

This qualitative multiple-case study discusses the importance of investigating the alignment of four biology teachers’ beliefs and practices when teaching...

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20 Jul 2023

UP Mindanao

Future solid waste management system in Davao City should prioritize plastic waste treatment

To reduce adverse environmental impact, municipal solid waste management (MSWM) practices in developed countries are adopted in developing countries without...

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19 Jul 2023

UP Los Baños

Pesticide residues were found in commonly consumed vegetables and those labeled “organic”

Pesticide residues on vegetables pose food safety concerns. In this study, an assay called the Rapid Bioassay for Pesticide Residues...

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19 Jul 2023

UP Diliman

Surface constraint approach optimizes the design and trajectory of solar sails that are constrained to move on surfaces

Solar sailing is a propulsion technology that uses the solar radiation pressure of the sun as a source for thrust....

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18 Jul 2023

UP Diliman

Studies on disasters can only be inclusive if scholars and practitioners “decolonize” themselves

The discussions on the decolonization of knowledge in disasters are not entirely new and have been the subject of inquiries...

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14 Jul 2023

UP Diliman

“Filipinized” system that aims to make online learning accessible to nursing students and teachers presented at international conference

The project “Development of a Filipinized Learning Management System” (FLMS), funded by the Emerging Interdisciplinary Research Program of the the...

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10 Jul 2023

UP Los Baños

Transgender poet reflects on what it means to live under the new presidency

Now is no longer the time for poets is a suite of three poems with the following titles: “To write
another...

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07 Jul 2023

UP Manila

Pilgrimage can help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety

Research by psychologists and other mental health professionals tries to identify effective ways to manage and prevent emotional turbulence, including...

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07 Jul 2023

UP Visayas

A study of Chavacano shows how linguistic prestige evolves with changes in society

Chavacano is the lone Spanish-based creole in Asia and is spoken in different parts of the Philippine archipelago. Among the...

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07 Jul 2023

UP Los Baños

The sentiments of political actors on social media are “carefully manufactured” and affect our sense of nationalism

The sentiments peddled by political actors on social media are not coincidental. Rather, they are carefully manufactured texts that convey...

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07 Jul 2023

UP Los Baños

How do Filipino writers represent the experiences of young non-Western readers of science fiction?

Despite the popularity of young adult literature and speculative fiction locally and globally, there is not a lot of critical...

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Research

The Macolod Corridor is a volcanic field encompassing the provinces of Cavity, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon. It has previously been identified as a rift zone running perpendicular to the chain of active volcanoes associated with the Luzon Arc. To determine the distribution of rocks and geologic structures beneath the ground, gravity and magnetic surveys were conducted. Anomalies in the gravity and magnetic fields point to the complex occurrence of rock units and the variability in their density and magnetization. The new datasets obtained from the recent geophysical surveys are assimilated with existing geophysical data to come up with gravity and magnetic anomaly maps of the study area. Through data inversion and modeling, 2D pictures of the Macolod Corridor were generated.

The tectonic decompression expected of a volcanic rift manifested as a series of faults accommodating the opening of the Corridor is deduced from the gravity and magnetic anomalies. The opening of the rift is also consistent with the influx of magma from beneath, creating an extensive volcanic field in southwestern Luzon. The active volcanoes are in fact characterized by positive gravity anomalies, indicating deep sources of the lava being erupted in these localities (Figure 1).

Differential motions in the Sibu-Verde Passage Fault in the southwest and the Philippine Fault in the northeast are also expressed by the asymmetry of the Macolod Corridor. The southwest part of the Macolod Corridor near Taal Volcano is significantly narrower compared to the northeast near Mt. Banahaw. This pattern is clearly seen in the magnetic anomaly map of the region (Figure 2). Linear anomalies in the gravity and magnetic field also point to intersecting faults and fracture zones. These are significant in consideration of geothermal processes and the ascent of magma and potentially mineral-rich fluids towards the surface. In our 2022 Tectonophysics paper, we point out the role of past tectonic phases in the development of these fracture patterns. Intersections of these breaks and cracks in the rocks can be the focus of fluid movements and can be vectors in geothermal and metal mineralization explorations. These linear anomalies are concentrated within the Macolod Corridor and may point to localities where a high probability of active geothermal systems and mineralization are to be found.

Project significance

A good understanding of the tectonic structure and geologic processes at play in a particular area is essential, especially in the assessment of natural hazards and resources. The Macolod Corridor has long been recognized as a volcanic field, but a complete picture of its crustal structure is yet to be achieved. Recognizing the economic importance of southwestern Luzon, it is imperative that active geologic structures (i.e., faults and volcanoes) be identified and assessed for potential hazards that they may pose to the region. To achieve sustainable growth and security of infrastructure and the local population, the geodynamics and tectonics of the Macolod Corridor need to be well understood. Cases in point are the most recent eruptions of Taal Volcano as well as moderate magnitude earthquakes in Batangas. The latter impacted not only southern Luzon but Metro Manila as well. The activity of faults both onshore and offshore of Macolod Corridor can potentially wreak havoc on the region. Magmatism is closely linked with geothermal processes in this rift zone. Being a volcanic field, the Macolod Corridor has vast potential for geothermal resources. In light of climate change and the search for viable indigenous green energy sources, it is worth looking into the geothermal systems (e.g., heat source, reservoir characteristics, fault systems, etc.) in the area.

Project Output

The research investigated the geophysical structure of southern Luzon, particularly the density distribution and magnetic characteristics of subsurface rocks. The research proposes a new boundary of the Macolod Corridor and the locus of rifting and associated magmatism, with rifting apparently proceeding from the northeast to the southwest near Taal Volcano. The research also produced a map of the Curie depths beneath the study area. This is particularly significant since the shallow Curie depths indicate high heat flow in the Macolod Corridor. Some of the results of the research are elaborated in the research article titled “Magnetic field characterization of Macolod Corridor (Luzon, Philippines): New perspectives on rifting in a volcanic arc setting” published in the ISI Tectonophysics Journal.

Collaborators

Dr. Carla B. Dimalanta and Mr. Rurik SP. Austria, National Institute of Geological Sciences, College of Science, University of the Philippines, Diliman

Graciano P. Yumul, Jr., Cordillera Exploration Co., Inc., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Philippines