Dr. Carla B. Dimalanta conducted geologic fieldwork as well as gravity and magnetic surveys last July 31 - August 16, 2023 in Kalinga and portions of Apayao and Mountain Province. The surveys are part of the activities of the DOST-funded project titled “Marine and Onshore Geophysical Investigations of the Manila Subduction Zone (MOGI)”. The project aims to utilize offshore and onshore geophysical data to examine large-scale tectonic features and determine their implications on geologic hazards, such as potential large-scale magnitude earthquakes and tsunamis, in the western portion of Luzon Island. The project team also consisted of Dr. Leo T. Armada, Ms. Berlyn D. Eleazar, Mr. Julius A Pasco, and Mr. John Esteban E. Cari. Graduate students from the National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS) also participated in gathering geophysical data.
Gravity (left) and magnetic (right) surveys along accessible roads in the study area
An Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign titled “Geo-Lecture Series: Geology and Geohazards in Kalinga” was also held at Kalinga State University on August 10. The campaign was done in partnership with the DOST-funded program titled “Growth of an Island Arc (GAIA)”. Participants include members of the Kalinga local government units, disaster risk reduction staff, and faculty and undergraduate students from the Kalinga State University (KSU). Dr. Leo T. Armada, Dr. Betchaida D. Payot, and Dr. Gabriel Theophilus V. Valera shared their knowledge on the geology of Kalinga as well as useful information on potential hazards such as volcanic hazards, earthquakes, and landslides in the province.