NONOC ISLAND,
SURIGAO CITY
GEOLOGIC REPORT
BY: ELIMANCO, LEA MARIE E.
GESTA, FLORA MAE L.
SERENIO, EDRIEN JAY R.
VERGANTIÑOS, JAMES MARK
B.
(BSCE-4A)
A. LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY
B. PHYSIOGRAPHY, CLIMATE, AND VEGETATION
C. LAND USE AND INFRASTRUCTURES
D. ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES
TABLE OF
E. FAULT LINE
CONTENT
F. SOIL CHARACTERISTICS
G. ROCK CHARACTERISTICS
H. MINERAL
I. GEOLOGIC HAZARD
TABLE OF
CONTENT
A.
LOCATION AND
ACCESSIBILITY
Nonoc Island is situated at the southernmost end of
mainland Dinagat Island wherein the only
separating body of water is the Gaboc
Channel transecting generally east-west in a
sinuous manner. Commercial boats connect Surigao
City to the island through Barangays Nonoc and
Talisay crossing a roughly fifteen (15) areal
kilometers across width of the channel known as the
Hinatuan Passage in an east- northeast direction (Fig.
1). Surigao City is roughly 700 kilometers south-
southeast of Manila and connected by commercial
airline routes and by passenger ships.
FIGURE 1. LOCATION OF STUDY AREA (IN RED SQUARE) WITH THE ADJACENT ISLANDS
IN NORTHEASTERN SURIGAO REGION.
Nonoc has an approximate area of 51.48
square kilometers or 19.88 square miles,
and roughly has a coastline length of
53.44 kilometers or 33.20 miles. The
island is situated at approximately
9.8463, 125.6350. Elevation at these
coordinates is estimated at 77 meters or
252.62 feet above mean sea level.
FIGURE 2. LOCATION OF STUDY AREA WITH THE ADJACENT ISLANDS IN
NORTHEASTERN SURIGAO REGION.
B.
PHYSIOGRAPHY,
CLIMATE, AND
VEGETATION
Nonoc Island is generally hilly with elevations hardly exceeding 330 meters above sea
level. Peaks and ridges are generally sharp trending mostly towards north and northeast.
Prominent among the peaks is Mt. Conico having a central peak with steep conical slopes
(Fig. 3). Rolling areas and gentle slopes in between ridges within the island are generally
considered as prospective for nickeliferous laterite mineralization. Major drainages flow
north or south only.
FIGURE 3. THE TOPOGRAPHICAL FEATURES OF: (A) NONOC ISLAND SHOWING THE
DOMINANT ROLLING TOPOGRAPHY (FOREGROUND) THOUGH PARTIALLY MINED IN
CONTRAST WITH THE PROMINENT PEAK OF “CANTIASAY HILL”
Having a carapace of nickeliferous laterites the island of
is sparsely vegetated. Such soil cover is deprived of
minerals essential for the growth of vegetation. Stunted
growth of trees are observable both in height and trunk
diameter. Among the more prominent of these trees are
the small-leafed “paguspus”, the indigenous deep red
variety of iron wood locally called “mancuno” or
“magcuno”, and sporadic occurrences of conifer known
as “maribujoc”. Various vines of rattan palm, ferns, and
orchids on branches of larger trees are notable
throughout the study area. Pitcher plants and purple-
flowered ground orchids patch the lateritic grounds at
mid-elevation (Fig. 4) Where the bedrock changes to
sedimentary or basalt, vegetal species, sizes, and FIGURE 4. FOREST OF “PAGUSPUS” AND
frequency abruptly change. Such an occurrence is best “MARIBUJOC” IN EAST OF LUTAWON
observed along the western half of Nonoc Island in the NORTH OF MINING AREA 4. INSET IS A
vicinity of the abandoned nickel processing plant and the CLUSTER OF PITCHER PLANTS AND
old housing areas along the recently declared special PURPLE GROUND ORCHIDS IN THE
economic zone. VICINITY OF MINING AREA 1 (NONOC
ISLAND).
Surigao del Norte Province falls under the Type II climate based on the modified Corona Classification of
Climates in the Philippines. The region does not manifest a distinct wet and dry season but the frequency of
precipitation is highest during the months of October until March with peaks at around December to January. The
season coincides with the northeast monsoon. Coastal waters are rough with large tidal swells (Fig. 5). The region
is also with the typhoon belt of east Asia as shown inset in Fig. 5 which is based on the typhoon track passing by
the Philippines for the last 60 years.
FIGURE 5. THE MODIFIED CORONA CLASSIFICATION OF CLIMATES IN THE PHILIPPINE SHOWS THE
STUDY AREAS AT THE SOUTHERN EXTREME OF THE TYPE II CLIMATE SYSTEM. NOTE ALSO THAT
SURIGAO DEL NORTE PROVINCE IS WITHIN THE SOUTHERN LIMIT OF THE TYPHOON BELT OF EAST
ASIA (INSET)
C.
LAND USE AND
INFRASTRUCTURES
Almost the entirety of Nonoc Island is meant for nickel mining. Major infrastructures at the core of the island are
intended for the production of nickel and associated metals. Although the processing plant is no longer in
production the whole zone has been declared as a special economic zone (Fig. 6). The airstrip for light aircraft,
some settling ponds and the series of housing development for the staff of the past operation are the infrastructures
within the Nonoc Special Land Use. Population centers are along coasts: Barangays Nonoc, Talisay, and
Cantiasay.
FIGURE 6. PART OF THE SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE WITHIN THE ISLAND OF NONOC COVERING THE
NICKEL PROCESSING PLANT (BACKGROUND) AND THE OLD TAILINGS POND (FOREGROUND).
D.
ENVIRONMENTAL
FEATURES
The terrestrial component consists of disturbed and undisturbed areas. The disturbed areas are the
mining parcels (designated as mining areas 1 to 5), and areas used for facilities to support the mining
operations such as stockpiles, tailings ponds, water containment, camps, and access roads. Most of
these areas are bare although some of the mined-out areas were already rehabilitated through the
planting of agoho and other local species. Due to the nutrient-deficient topsoil cover, the undisturbed
areas are either sparsely vegetated or covered by stunted forest growth. The settling and environmental
ponds serve as a refuge for many reptiles and birds in addition to the thick forest-like vegetation of
areas immediately around the old nickel processing plant and former staff housing areas.
FIGURE 7. THE COASTAL MANGROVE FOREST BETWEEN THE ISLANDS OF NONOC
(FOREGROUND)
The coastal environment consists of sandy beaches, rocky shorelines, and mangrove estuaries. The
mangrove estuaries or swamps serve as natural filters for lateritic run-offs and host near-coast marine
organisms. Shallow sandy deposits or coral growth underlies the floors of the water channels separating
the islands. Reefs and coral growth characterize the shallow marine areas.
The sheared and deeply weathered character of the ultramafic bedrock makes it vulnerable to mass
movements such as landslides and rock falls.
FIGURE 7. THE COASTAL MANGROVE FOREST BETWEEN THE ISLANDS OF NONOC
(FOREGROUND)
E.
FAULT LINE
There is no specific information
available about a fault line located on
Nonoc Island, which is part of the
Dinagat Islands in the Philippines. Fault
lines are geological features that may or
may not be well-documented, and their
existence and activity can change over
time.
F.
SOIL
CHARACTERISTICS
The soil characteristics of Nonoc Island, which is part of the
Dinagat Islands in the Philippines, can vary depending on the
specific location, topography, and geological conditions. However,
I can provide a general overview of the types of soils commonly
found in tropical island environments like Nonoc Island:
• Volcanic Soils: Given the Philippines' location in the Pacific Ring
of Fire, volcanic soils are prevalent in many parts of the country,
including Nonoc Island. These soils are generally fertile and rich
in minerals due to volcanic ash and lava deposits. They are well-
suited for agriculture, and crops like rice, coconut, and various
fruits may thrive in volcanic soils.
• Alluvial Soils: Alluvial soils are often found in coastal areas
and along riverbanks. They are typically composed of
sediment and organic matter deposited by water over time.
These soils can be suitable for agriculture but may require
proper management due to their susceptibility to erosion and
saltwater intrusion in coastal regions.
The soil characteristics of Nonoc Island, which is part of the
Dinagat Islands in the Philippines, can vary depending on the
specific location, topography, and geological conditions. However,
I can provide a general overview of the types of soils commonly
found in tropical island environments like Nonoc Island:
•Beach and Coastal Sands: Coastal areas of Nonoc Island may
have sandy soils, particularly near the shoreline. These soils are
often low in organic matter and nutrients, making them less
suitable for agriculture. However, they can support specific
vegetation adapted to sandy conditions.
• Clay Soils: In some parts of the island, clay soils may be
present. Clay soils retain moisture well but can become
compacted and may have drainage issues. Proper soil
management techniques are necessary for successful
agriculture in clay-rich areas.
The soil characteristics of Nonoc Island, which is part of the
Dinagat Islands in the Philippines, can vary depending on the
specific location, topography, and geological conditions. However,
I can provide a general overview of the types of soils commonly
found in tropical island environments like Nonoc Island:
•Limestone Soils: In areas where limestone bedrock is present, the
soils may be alkaline and have unique characteristics. These soils
may not be suitable for all types of crops and may require specific
agricultural practices.
NOTE: It's important to note that the specific soil characteristics on
Nonoc Island can vary from one location to another, and soil quality can
be influenced by human activities, land use practices, and environmental
factors.
G.
ROCK
CHARACTERISTICS
Nonoc and the adjacent islands of Hanigad
and Awasan and South Dinagat Peninsula are
all underlain mainly by the ultramafic units
of the Dinagat Ophiolite Complex (Fig. 7).
Harzburgite is the dominant lithology (rock)
with occasional lenses of dunite (intrusive
igneous ultramafic rock—igneous and meta-
igneous rocks with a very low silica content).
FIGURE 8. SIMPLIFIED GEOLOGICAL MAP OF THE ISLANDS OF NONOC, HANIGAD, AWASAN, AND
THE SOUTH DINAGAT PENINSULA (AFTER PNPI MAP FILE, 2014). THE LINEAMENTS DEPICTED IN
THE MAP CAN BE A SERIES OF THRUST FAULTS AND SOME HIGH ANGLE FAULTS RELATED TO
OPHIOLITIC TERRAIN OBDUCTION.
Coastal areas west of the island of Nonoc yield outcrops of the metamorphic basement which
forms part of the Nueva Estrella Schist. The exposure runs from Barangay Nonoc in the south
towards west to Barangay Cantiasay and northwards approaching Gaboc Channel.
Metasediments with deep red chert exhibit foliation and tight folding of beds along with the
presence of some lenses of biotite-quartz schist and amphibolites (see Fig. 8). Large floats of
amphibolites were found along a north-draining river east of Mining Area 1 which implies
exposure of the metamorphic sole within the vicinity
FIGURE 9. METASEDIMENTARY FORMATION EXPOSED ALONG THE WESTERN COASTLINE OF
NONOC SHOWING: (A) TIGHT FOLDING AND OVERTURNED BEDS AND (B) FOLDS WITH
ALTERNATING BEDS OF VARYING RESISTANCES TO WEATHERING.
H.
MINERAL
Nonoc Island has high potential of
nickel content as it is located in saprolite
zone (nickel silicate is abundant), one of
the two important nickel ores in
commercial purposes. The nickel
resources of the region are in the form of
nickeliferous laterites, soils of unique
geochemistry derived from the tropical
weathering of parent serpentinized
ultramafites.
I.
GEOLOGIC HAZARD
Nonoc Island is part of Surigao City in the Philippines, and like many other regions in the Philippines, it
is susceptible to various geologic hazards due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire and its
geological characteristics. Some of the potential geologic hazards in Nonoc Island and Surigao City
include:
• EARTHQUAKES:
The Philippines is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it
prone to earthquakes. Surigao City, including Nonoc Island, has
experienced several significant earthquakes in the past. The
movement of tectonic plates in the region can lead to seismic
activity, posing a significant earthquake hazard.
Nonoc Island is part of Surigao City in the Philippines, and like many other regions in the Philippines, it
is susceptible to various geologic hazards due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire and its
geological characteristics. Some of the potential geologic hazards in Nonoc Island and Surigao City
include:
• TSUNAMIS:
Earthquakes occurring under the sea can trigger tsunamis. Nonoc
Island and Surigao City's coastal location makes them vulnerable
to tsunamis generated by seismic events in the Pacific Ocean or
nearby bodies of water.
Nonoc Island is part of Surigao City in the Philippines, and like many other regions in the Philippines, it
is susceptible to various geologic hazards due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire and its
geological characteristics. Some of the potential geologic hazards in Nonoc Island and Surigao City
include:
• LANDSLIDES:
Steep slopes and heavy rainfall can contribute to landslides,
especially in hilly or mountainous areas. Deforestation and
improper land use practices can exacerbate the landslide hazard.
Nonoc Island is part of Surigao City in the Philippines, and like many other regions in the Philippines, it
is susceptible to various geologic hazards due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire and its
geological characteristics. Some of the potential geologic hazards in Nonoc Island and Surigao City
include:
• FLOODS:
Heavy rainfall, tropical storms, and typhoons can lead to flash
floods and riverine flooding, especially in low-lying areas. Poor
drainage and deforestation can worsen the flood hazard.
Nonoc Island is part of Surigao City in the Philippines, and like many other regions in the Philippines, it
is susceptible to various geologic hazards due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire and its
geological characteristics. Some of the potential geologic hazards in Nonoc Island and Surigao City
include:
• VOLCANIC ACTIVTY:
While Surigao City is not located on a volcano, the Philippines has
several active volcanoes. Volcanic eruptions in nearby regions
could have indirect effects on Surigao City, such as ashfall and
disruption of transportation.
Nonoc Island is part of Surigao City in the Philippines, and like many other regions in the Philippines, it
is susceptible to various geologic hazards due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire and its
geological characteristics. Some of the potential geologic hazards in Nonoc Island and Surigao City
include:
• COASTAL EROSION AND STORM
SURGES
Nonoc Island's coastal areas are susceptible
to erosion and storm surges during typhoons
and tropical storms. Rising sea levels due to
climate change can also exacerbate this
hazard.
Nonoc Island is part of Surigao City in the Philippines, and like many other regions in the Philippines, it
is susceptible to various geologic hazards due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire and its
geological characteristics. Some of the potential geologic hazards in Nonoc Island and Surigao City
include:
• SINKHOLES:
Subsurface geological conditions can lead to the formation
of sinkholes, which can be dangerous for infrastructure and
residents.
Nonoc Island is part of Surigao City in the Philippines, and like many other regions in the Philippines, it
is susceptible to various geologic hazards due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire and its
geological characteristics. Some of the potential geologic hazards in Nonoc Island and Surigao City
include:
• SOIL EROSION:
Nonoc Island, like many other tropical islands, may face soil
erosion challenges, especially in hilly or sloped areas. Effective
soil conservation measures are essential to mitigate erosion and
maintain soil quality.
