Last month, this newborn island emerged from the sea like Venus rising from the waves, if Venus had been produced by volcanic activity. Sometimes these baby volcanic islands just disappear again as the ocean washes loose material away, but this one is growing — it’s up to 13.8 acres, about the same footprint as the Great Pyramid of Giza.
The volcanic island it’s next to, Nishino-shima, has been around for about 40 years, and scientists from the Japan Meteorological Agency think this new one, named Niijima, may stick around for years as well, or even end up permanent. It’s early yet, though — the island is still steaming with the heat of the eruption that birthed it.
Japan Coast GuardDec. 8, 2012.
So enjoy the new island while it lasts! Because eventually we’ll all sink into the ocean as sea levels rise.
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