Japan witnesses the emergence of a new islet near iō-tō island following a November underwater explosion

In a remarkable geological event, a volcanic island is steadily growing in the western Pacific after an underwater explosion led to its formation in November. Situated approximately one kilometer off the coast of Iō-tō island in Japan, the new islet emerged following volcanic tremors and rising activity on Iō-tō. The eruption created an accumulation of rocks and stones, resulting in the birth of the island. Monitored since its inception, the island continues to expand, highlighting ongoing magma activity and drawing attention to Japan’s dynamic volcanic landscape.

The coastline of Japan witnessed a captivating event on November 1 when a volcanic explosion beneath the sea led to the creation of a new islet near Iō-tō island. Located about 1,220 km south-southeast of Tokyo, the islet emerged approximately one kilometer off the coast of Iō-tō. The Maritime Self-Defence Force’s air base stationed on Iō-tō island confirmed the formation after detecting the explosion, marking the inception of the volcanic island.

Preceding the underwater eruption, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) had been monitoring volcanic tremors on Iō-tō island since October 21, accompanied by the island’s noticeable rise. The eruption resulted in the accumulation of rocks and stones, giving rise to the formation of the islet. Since its initial observation from space in October, the island has continued to grow. According to the University of Tokyo, it now measures 8.6 kilometers in the northeast-southwest direction and 5.6 kilometers in the northwest-southeast direction.

The University of Tokyo’s observations indicate ongoing eruptions at multiple locations, with phreatomagmatic explosions occurring in the crater and rock masses being ejected from the vent, contributing to the islet’s growth. The resurgence of magma activity on Iwo Jima is inferred, aligning with the 2022 eruption’s location. The newfound island serves as a dynamic testament to the ever-changing volcanic landscape of Japan.

Intriguingly, the emergence of this new volcanic island contributes to Japan’s dynamic geography. Recent advancements in mapping technology have revealed discrepancies in previous island counts. Contrary to the long-standing belief of around 6,000 islands, a more accurate count places Japan’s islands at over 14,000. The constant evolution of the country’s landscape, marked by eruptions and the birth of new landforms, underscores the geological dynamism of Japan.