A remarkable discovery has been made by the joint NASA/U.S. Geological Survey satellite, Landsat-9. A newly formed island has been spotted off the coast of Japan, revealing the aftermath of a volcanic eruption that occurred at the end of October.

Located near Iwo Jima island, part of the Volcano Islands archipelago in southern Japan, the island emerged from the sea on November 3, as observed by Landsat-9. Researchers from the University of Tokyo reported that the island came into existence due to scorching hot magma plunging into the ocean and causing explosive reactions. This event led to the formation of rock fragments, some as long as several feet, being propelled more than 160 feet into the air.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the volcanic eruption is believed to have begun on October 21, 2023. Researchers suggested that the eruption's location closely resembled a previous eruption in 2022, potentially indicating a resumption of magma activity on Iwo Jima.

The eruption resulted in two explosive underwater bursts at the southern tip of Iwo Jima. Rocks accumulated to the north of these eruptions, gradually forming a substantial pile of debris. Over time, this rubble consolidated, giving rise to a 330-foot wide (100-meter) island, approximately half a mile (1 kilometer) away from Iwo Jima. The surrounding waters appeared discolored, likely due to the presence of pumice, a highly porous rock formed when lava with high water and gas content cools and hardens, trapping gas bubbles within.

Landsat-9, positioned 438 miles above Earth, captured an image of the new island on November 3. This image was compared to observations taken by the same satellite on October 18, confirming the absence of the island prior to the volcanic activity.

This discovery serves as a testament to the dynamic and ever-changing nature of Earth's geological landscapes. The data collected from such incidents not only enhances our understanding of volcanic processes but also contributes to improving hazard assessments for regions susceptible to volcanic activity.