Taal Volcano | |
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Bulkang Taal | |
Aerial photo of Taal Volcano; North is on right-hand side of photo.
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 311 m (1,020 ft) |
Coordinates | 14°0′7″N 120°59′34″E / 14.00194°N 120.99278°ECoordinates: 14°0′7″N 120°59′34″E / 14.00194°N 120.99278°E |
Geography | |
Location | Talisay and San Nicolas, Batangas, Luzon, Philippines |
Geology | |
Mountain type | Complex volcano |
Volcanic arc/belt | Macolod Corridor |
Last eruption | October to November 1977 |
Climbing | |
Easiest route | Daang Kastila [Spanish Trail] |
Taal Volcano (Filipino: Bulkang Taal) is a complex volcano located on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. It is the second most active volcano in the Philippines with 33 historical eruptions. All of these eruptions are concentrated on Volcano Island, an island near the middle of Taal Lake. The lake partially fills Taal Caldera, which was formed by prehistoric eruptions between 140,000 and 5,380 BP. Viewed from Tagaytay Ridge, Taal Volcano and Lake presents one of the most picturesque and attractive views in the Philippines. It is located about 50 kilometres (31 miles) south of the capital of the country, the city of Manila.
The volcano had several violent eruptions in the past causing loss of life in the island and the populated areas surrounding the lake, with the death toll estimated at around 5,000 to 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. All volcanoes of the Philippines are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
As of 1821, the Taal Volcano was also called Bombou.
Taal Volcano and Lake are wholly located in the province of Batangas. The northern half of Volcano Island falls under the jurisdiction of the lake shore town of Talisay, and the southern half to San Nicolas. The other communities that encircle Taal Lake include the cities of Tanauan and Lipa, and the municipalities of Talisay, Laurel, Agoncillo, Santa Teresita, Alitagtag, Cuenca, Balete and Mataas na Kahoy.