EMSEV Workshop for Initiating Seismic and Volcanic EM Monitoring in Asian
Countries. 13-16 January, Manila, 2003

  This WS was another highlight of the EMSEV activity in 2002-2003 period. The aim of the WS
was to introduce the recent progress in Seismic/Volcanic EM studies to Asian scientists and
to discuss the feasibility and possible usefulness of initiating EM monitoring in their countries.
The scientific program was worked out by EMSEV Secretariat and LOC chaired by B. Bautista
at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

  Following the reports on EMSEV (S. Uyeda) and PHIVOLCS activities (Leonila Bautista, J. Sabit), extensive reviews and reports on EM
investigation on volcanoes (J. Zlotnicki, Y. Sasai), seismo-electric phenomena in DC-ULF-VLF range (T. Nagao, X. Zeng, K. Hattori, V.
Korepanov), anomalous transmission of VLF EM waves (K. Hattori), the Kushida effect in VHF anomalies (S. Uyeda) and ionospheric
anomaly (J. Liu) over focal regions, theoretical and experimental investigation on the generation/transmission of EM anomalies possibly
related to seismic/volcanic phenomena (Y. Sasai, Q. Huang, M. Kamogawa) were presented with ample time for discussion. Reports from
participants on related issues (Q. Huang, T. Harinarayana, B. Singh, D. Widarto, K. Sayanagi) and a video show of the Pinatubo event were
also presented.

 Lively discussion was made as to what methods may be most effective to meet the specific
scientific targets of each countries and some concrete ideas emerged regarding possible
monitoring: e. g., for monitoring Taal and Mayon volcanoes, which are the most urgent targets
of PHIVOLCS. The structure of these volcanoes should be investigated by EM methods in
order to develop efficient monitoring networks based on proton magnetometers as well as
electric and EM stations. Another target is the seismicity in the Metro Manila region. For
harnessing possible precursory changes of it, a few stations with highly sensitive 3-component
magnetometers would be recommendable (Hattori, Nagao and Korepanov) and ionospheric
observation by revitalizing the existing ionosonde system would be very cost effective (Liu). EM
phenomena before seismic/volcanic events being not yet recognized widely, it was suggested
that the investigation may provide a unique opportunity for the Philippines to achieve
pioneering contributions.

On the third day, field excursions were made to Taal Vocano and Makban geothermal power
plant in two parties, both being highly enlightening. Regarding Taal volcano, Zlotnicki, Sasai and
PHILVOLCS teams have discussed the potential researches and monitoring systems to develop
to initiate EM studies on this edifice.

 Funds from IUGG ($3000), IAGA ($2000), and IAVCEI ($1000) were used for LOC activity and air-fare of 6 foreign
participants (EMSEV members: X. Zeng, J. Liu, B. Singh, Non-members: D. S. Widarto, T. Harinayarana, K. Sayanagi)
and local expenses of participants in need. Hard work of LOC, in particular J. Punongbayan, and the free
accommodation for all visitors at PHIVOLCS building were most highly appreciated.