New Land

According to Japanese media, the volcanic eruption began on October 21 as a “vertical jet of magma” rising high above the waves. After this, the eruption continued with relatively continuous eruptions of lava mixed with soft pumice stone, until eventually so much solidified material accumulated that it rose above sea level. In early November, the underwater volcano began spewing mostly ash. Setsuya Nakada, a volcanologist at the University of Tokyo, told The Japan Times.

The young landmass is within sight of the island of Iwo Jima, which is about 1,200 kilometers south of Tokyo and currently has no permanent residents. Its new neighbor appeared just over a kilometer from shore. The total size of the new formation is approximately two kilometers in diameter, although the surface part is still not very large.

Meanwhile, scientists say that the eruption has passed its peak and has calmed down somewhat. Nakada says underwater volcanic eruptions in this part of the world last about a month.

Eruption of an underwater volcano / Photo: Setsuya Nakada/The Japan Times

Although the new landmass may expand somewhat over the coming days, any pumice not cemented by lava flows will erode fairly quickly, so it is likely that little will remain of the island. Additionally, Nakada predicts that if the eruption continues, the new island could merge with Iwo Jima.

Eruption of an underwater volcano / Photo: Setsuya Nakada/The Japan Times