No one would have thought that the newly created volcanic island Niijima, produced during a volcanic eruption four weeks ago, would have lasted. Meanwhile, it is 56,000 square meters and still growing!
On the 20th November 2013, a new island, approximately 200 meters in diameter, emerged 1000 km south of Tokyo (near Nishinoshima) after a violent volcanic eruption. And neither meteorologists nor could predict its future.
One month later, new NASA images show that the newly formed island has increased its size by three. The AFP news agency writes that she is now 56,000 square meters and got an official name: Niijima.
The images also show smoke, lava and steam around the new island. Would it mean, it will continue to grow? Some scientists believe that Niijima will be washed away by erosion or that a volcano eruption will blow it apart.
This island formed right during a conflict
The Japanese authorities have not claimed the newly formed territory yet – probably not to inflame the conflict (control of the Pacific) with China and South Korea.
In mid-November, China established a so-called air defense zone over a group of islands claimed by Japan in the East China Sea, which drove them crazy (as well as the USA).
Remember, not one, but three new islands were created by the major Pakistan’s earthquake in September 2013.
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