Taal volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines and has produced some of its most powerful historical eruptions.  In contrast to Mayon volcano, Taal is not topographically prominent, but its prehistorical eruptions have greatly changed the topography of SW Luzon.  The 15 x 20 km Talisay (Taal) caldera is largely filled by Lake Taal, whose 267 sq km surface lies only 3 m above sea level.  The maximum depth of the lake is 160 m, and several eruptive centers lie submerged beneath the lake.  The 5-km-wide Volcano Island in north-central Lake Taal is the location of all historical eruptions.  The island is a complex volcano composed of coalescing small stratovolcanoes, tuff rings, and scoria cones that has grown about 25% in area during historical time.  Powerful pyroclastic flows and surges from historical eruptions of Taal have caused many fatalities.