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Underwater Volcano South Of Japan Creates Brand New Island

Underwater Volcano South Of Japan Creates Brand New Island

The volcanic eruption formed a new island 745 miles from Tokyo

Anish Vij

Anish Vij

An underwater volcanic eruption south of Japan has created a new island 745 miles from Tokyo. Take a look at the new island below:

The new crescent shaped island is named 'Niijima', which literally translates to 'new island'.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the submarine eruption began on 13 August - the volcano's first in over a decade.

Japan Coast Guard officials discovered Niijima two days later.

Japan Coast Guard

It has a 0.6 diameter and is 3.1 miles north of Minami-Iōtō in the Nanpō Islands, south of the Japanese archipelago.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said: "According to the observation from the sky conducted by the Japan Coast Guard [on August 15], active eruptive activity is still continuing in Fukutoku-Okanoba, where the submarine eruption started on August 13.

"Suspended matter - pumice stones, etc. - due to the eruption is flowing up to about 60 km (37 miles) in the northwest direction."

Local sailors have also been warned to avoid the area with the risk of large volcanic bombs and the violent explosions of gas and ash that can occur from magma and water interactions, the Daily Mail reports.

The continued existence of Niijima depends on how long the eruption lasts for and what type of rock the landmass ends up being formed from.

Japan Coast Guard

If volcanic activity continues, the lava flows might create a more durable coating and the island could continue to exist.

According to the US Geological Survey, submarine eruptions 'take place when sea water pours into active shallow submarine vents'.

It continues: "Lava, erupting onto a shallow sea floor or flowing into the sea from land, may cool so rapidly that it shatters into sand and rubble."

Well, if it turns out that the island washes away, there are other uses from a traditional volcanic eruption.

A man in Iceland tried to rustle up some bacon and eggs on top of the molten lava erupting from the volcano earlier this year.

RÚV

Footage shows a man, believed to be Eiríkur Hilmarsson, throwing some solid breakfast items into the pan which is set on top of the bright lava.

The lava eventually takes over the pan meaning no bacon and eggs for anyone apart from the volcano.

Speaking to RÚV, Eiríkur said: "This is my bacon. Better to be damaged. I was going to feed the boys after the walk and it just seems to be getting damaged. These were the only supplies, so there are only sandwiches and water for the rest."

Featured Image Credit: Japan Coast Guard

Topics: World News, Volcano, Japan