AS if owning more than 14,000 islands is not enough, Japan gained a new one recently following an undersea volcanic eruption which resulted in the birth of another island.
The rare geological phenomenon was the product of underwater volcanic activity that began on the 21st of October.
The volcanic eruption occurred near Iwo Jima, around 1,200 kilometers south of Tokyo, and was observed by the University of Tokyo’s Earthquake Research Institute.
The new island is part of the Ogasawara island chain, which includes Iwoto, previously called Iwo Jima.
The area which witnessed the birth of an island was the scene of fierce battles between American and Japanese forces during the Second World War.
Experts from the University of Tokyo said the rock masses on the island could grow larger if eruptions continue.
