A volcanic eruption underwater near Japan has led to the emergence of a new crescent-shaped island 1,200 km south of Tokyo, although the new landmass is likely to be only temporary, as reported by the British "Daily Mail."
The island, named "Nijima," which means "new island," has a diameter of 0.6 miles and appeared 3.1 miles north of Minami-Ito, amid the Nanpo Islands located south of the Japanese archipelago. The island was formed from the eruption of the Fukutoku-Okanoba volcano, an underwater volcano that was first discovered when it erupted again in 1904.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the underwater volcanic eruption, the first of its kind in 11 years (with the last event occurring in 2010), began in the early hours of August 13. The Japan Coast Guard first detected "Nijima" two days after the volcanic eruption.
The formation of new islands in some waters situated in the far south of Japan could have geopolitical consequences if their emergence allows authorities to claim an expansion of their territory. However, if it persists in the long term, its addition is unlikely to require changes in Japan's territorial waters or exclusive economic zone, according to the Japanese newspaper "Daily News."
