New island in Japan: Birth of a tiny island after eruption

A new island has been born off the coast of Japan, following the eruption of an underwater volcano.

In October, an underwater volcano erupted off the coast of Japan. The unnamed undersea volcano located 1 km off the coast of Iwo Jima, which Japan calls Ioto, started erupting on October 21st.

Within 10 days, volcanic ash and rocks accumulated on the seabed, allowing for a small portion to rise above the sea surface.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, by early November, it became a new island. In size it is approximately 100 metres in diameter and 20 metres high above the sea surface.

However, whether it will last is not looking likely. It has already began shrinking in size as the waves pummel the tiny island. It's survival will depend on the durability of the volcanic rock it is made from. Lava or pumice for example, are stronger.

Of the approximately 1500 active volcanos in the world, 111 are in Japan. Japan sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a tectonic belt home to frequent seismic activity of earthquakes and volcanoes.