The world’s newest island erupted from the Pacific Ocean on Nov. 1.
A small volcanic eruption along Japan’s Ogasawara Island chain was captured on camera by the nation’s Maritime Self-Defense Force, showing the ocean bursting to life, according to AccuWeather. Japan’s Meteorological Agency (JMA) said the region has experienced heightened volcanic and seismic activity for the last year, leading to the main eruption on October 30.
The volcano itself is located half a mile off the southern coast of Iwo Jima, and took only ten days to form a layer of ash and rock on the seabed, high enough to break through the waves, The Associated Press described. The island is now roughly 328 feet (100 meters) in diameter and roughly 66 feet (22 meters) high, analysts in Japan told the outlet.
🚨 NEWS: New island appears after the eruption of an underwater volcano in Japan.pic.twitter.com/LmxU1yZ6lB
— Amazing Astronomy (@MAstronomers) November 12, 2023
Since the main eruption, seismic activity has slowed throughout the region, suggesting the island may not be around for long. It’s already started to shrink because of its “crumbly” frame, which is easily washed away by normal currents.
“We just have to see the development,” JMA analyst Yuji Usui said of the situation. “But the island may not last very long.” (RELATED: ‘The Volcano’ Is A Harrowing Tale Of Our Planet’s Violence And Power)
Undersea volcanoes are not uncommon. Iceland is also experiencing significantly heightened seismic activity as a huge magma chamber is forming on the island and into the ocean. Thousands of people have already been evacuated to safety, with a full eruption expected at any time.