Taal Volcano

Taal Volcano (IPA: [taʔal]; Tagalog: Bulkang Taal), also known as Taal Caldera, is a large caldera filled by Taal Lake in the Philippines. Located in the province of Batangas about 50 kilometers (31 mi) south of Manila, the volcano is the second most active volcano in the country, with 39 confirmed historical eruptions, concentrated on Volcano Island, near the middle of Taal Lake. The caldera was formed by prehistoric eruptions between less than 670,000 and less than 6,000 years ago. The cones Batulao, Macolod, and Sungay are remnants of the early pre-caldera Taal system, with Batulao being the earliest known cone. Taal Volcano has had several violent eruptions in the past, causing deaths on the island and the populated areas surrounding the lake, with an overall recorded death toll of about 6,000. Because of its proximity to populated areas and its eruptive history, the volcano was designated a Decade Volcano, worthy of close study to prevent future natural disasters. The site was declared National Geological Monument in 1998 and a national park in 2018.