New Island in Japan Shows Up After Intense Volcanic Eruption

Nature is full of surprises, and the recent volcanic eruption off the coast of Japan has created a new island. But before we get too excited, we need to consider the transient nature of such landforms.

Volcanic eruptions are not uncommon in the Ring of Fire, a region in the Pacific Ocean known for its seismic activity. The formation of new islands due to these eruptions is a fascinating phenomenon that showcases the raw power of nature. So it is not shocking to hear that Japan also got its fair share from the volcanic eruption. But, can this new island in Japan truly last?

A New Island Is Formed in Japan After Volcanic Eruption

Last year, an undersea volcano erupted off the southern coast of Iwo Jima, also known as Ioto in Japan. This rare event offered a unique glimpse of the formation of a new island. However, experts caution that the longevity of this new landmass may be limited.

Within 10 days of the eruption, volcanic ash and rocks accumulated on the shallow seabed. They formed a rising tip above the sea surface. By early November, this accumulation had transformed into a new island. It measures around 100 meters in diameter and reaches heights of up to 20 meters above sea level. These observations were reported by Yuji Usui, an analyst from the Japan Meteorological Agency’s volcanic division.

The Recent Volcanic Eruptions

Usui noted that while volcanic activity near Iwo Jima has been on the rise and similar undersea eruptions have occurred in recent years, the creation of a new island remains a notable development.

Volcanic activity at the site has diminished. Moreover, the newly formed island has experienced some reduction in size due to its “crumbly” composition being susceptible to erosion by waves, as per Usui. Ongoing analysis by experts is focusing on the island’s composition, particularly the deposits. The longevity of the island could depend on whether it is primarily composed of durable materials like lava rather than more fragile volcanic rocks such as pumice.

Usui said that the future of the island remains unclear, stating, “We just have to observe its development. But it’s possible that the island may not endure for an extended period.”

This Is Not the First Time a New Island Was Formed in Japan Due to Volcanic Eruptions

Past instances of undersea volcanoes and seismic activities have led to the creation of new islands.

• In 2013, an eruption at Nishinoshima, south of Tokyo in the Pacific Ocean, resulted in the creation of a new island. This island continued to grow over the course of a decade-long eruption.
• Also in 2013, a small island emerged from the seabed following a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Pakistan.
• In 2015, another one formed due to a monthlong eruption of a submarine volcano off the coast of Tonga.

Japan, with 111 of its approximately 1,500 active volcanoes, is situated within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Iwo Jima witnessed intense battles during World War II. A photograph captured by AP photographer Joe Rosenthal on February 23, 1945, depicting the raising of the flag atop Mount Suribachi, became an iconic symbol of the Pacific War and the courage of the U.S. Marines.

What do you think of the new island in Japan?

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