Overview

• An ongoing undersea volcanic eruption has created a new island south of mainland Japan, near Iwoto Island in the Ogasawara Island chain.
• The eruption began on October 21 and the island was visible by November, measuring about 100 meters in diameter and 20 meters above sea level.
• The island's future is uncertain due to its fragile formation of 'crumbly' rock, and volcanic activity has reportedly subsided.
• Japan is situated on the 'Ring of Fire' and has 111 of the world's approximately 1,500 active volcanoes.
• Similar undersea eruptions have occurred in the region in recent years and this is a rare opportunity to observe the birth of an island.