New Japanese island Niijima merged with Nishino-shima

Only a narrow channel of water appeared to separate Japanese islands Nishino-shima and newly created Niijima on satellite images from December 24.

The water around the islands was discolored by volcanic minerals and gases, as well as by seafloor sediment stirred up by the ongoing eruption. A faint plume, likely steam and other volcanic gases associated with the eruption, extended away from the new island to the southeast. (EO)

Infrared imagery showed intense heat from the fresh lava, which was continuing to come to the surface and build the island as of December 24, 2013. 

Shortwave infrared image acquired on December 24, 2013. Image credit: NASA / Earth Observatory (ALI – EO-1)

Acquired on December 24, 2013. Image credit: NASA / Earth Observatory (ALI – EO-1). 

Image below, shows the two islands as seen on December 8, 2013.

Acquired on December 8, 2013. Image credit: NASA / Earth Observatory (ALI – EO-1). 

Images from December 25th show that Niijima came into contact with the island Nishino-shima. Niijima is no longer separated island but the highlight of the island Nishino-shima.

Video courtesy ANNnewsCH

Featured image: NASA Earth Observatory using data from the Advanced Land Imager (ALI) on NASA’s Earth Observing-1 (EO-1) satellite.