According to recent news, a submarine volcano near Japan erupted three weeks ago, offering a unique glimpse of the creation of a small new island. However, specialists warn that its existence may be short-lived.

The unidentified underwater volcano, situated approximately 1 kilometer (0.5 miles) from the southern shores of Iwo Jima, known as Ioto in Japan, began its most recent sequence of eruptions on October 21st.

In the span of 10 days, debris from a volcanic eruption accumulated on the relatively shallow ocean floor, forming a new island that protruded above the water’s surface. According to Yuji Usui, an analyst in the volcanic division of the Japan Meteorological Agency, by early November the island measured approximately 100 meters (328 feet) in diameter and stood at a height of 20 meters (66 feet).

According to Usui, there has been a rise in volcanic activity near Iwo Jima and similar underwater eruptions have occurred in recent times. However, the creation of a new island is a notable occurrence.

According to Usui, the volcanic activity has decreased and the island that was created has reduced in size due to its fragile composition being eroded by waves.

According to him, specialists are currently examining the progress, including specific information about the deposits. The potential longevity of the new island may be increased if it consists of lava or a material that is stronger than volcanic rocks like pumice.

He stated that we simply need to observe the progress and that the island may not endure for an extended period of time.

New islands have been created in the past due to undersea volcanoes and seismic events.

In 2013, a volcanic eruption occurred at Nishinoshima in the Pacific Ocean, located south of Tokyo. This resulted in the creation of a new island, which continued to expand over a period of ten years during the ongoing eruption.

In 2013, a small island appeared above the ocean floor following a powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale in Pakistan. Similarly, in 2015, a new island emerged due to a month-long eruption of an underwater volcano near the coast of Tonga.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Japan is located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” and has 111 out of the approximately 1,500 active volcanoes in the world.

The island of Iwo Jima was the location of intense combat during World War II. In 1945, AP photographer Joe Rosenthal captured a powerful image of U.S. Marines raising a flag on Mount Suribachi, which became a symbol of the Pacific War and the bravery of the Marines.

Source: wral.com