Spectacular eruption on Japan's 'new island' blasts ash, rocks, lava into sky

Reuters

Published on Dec. 2, 2023, 1:57 PM

The Japan Coast Guard was in the right place at the right time to witness the intense volcanic activity responsible for creating a new island in the Pacific Ocean in November.

A volcanic eruption in Japan is building a new island.

A dramatic volcanic eruption on the newly formed Japanese island of Niijima occurred on 23 November 2023.

Ash, lava, and sizable rocks shooting up to 650ft into the air.

Niijima, which means "new island" in Japanese, emerged a month ago. It is hundreds of miles south of the Japanese mainland, off the coast of the larger Pacific island, Iwo Jima.

The new landmass is just a few hundred feet long and almost connects with Iwo Jima. Iwo Jima holds historical significance as the site of one of the Second World War's bloodiest and most significant battles - with U.S. Marines famously raising their country's flag on its highest point in a moment captured on camera.

(Thu, 30 Nov 2023 18:00:00)

Thumbnail courtesy of Japan Coast Guard/Cover Images.