Birth of an Island

Japanese seismologists detected the first rumblings last May. Since then, fishermen in the area have reported giant explosions and great whirlpools in the sea. Now the source of all this spectacular activity in the Pacific, 590 miles south of Tokyo, has come into view. With a series of deafening explosions, a newly born volcano has reared out of the sea, adding another small island to the Iwo Jima chain. After flying over the belching volcano last week, Japanese officials reported that the northern edge of the doughnut-shaped crater has risen some 160 ft. above sea level and the southern edge about 65 ft. Debris from the eruption has turned the Pacific reddish brown for miles around.

The volcano has stopped spewing lava, but it is still giving off a column of steamy white vapor that rises several hundred feet.

According to the new global geological theory known as plate tectonics, part of the Pacific Ocean floor is pressing slowly in the direction of Japan. This movement creates enormous pressure and heat deep in the earth, some of which is eventually released in the form of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

To better understand the mechanics of this hidden process, the Japanese researchers are extremely eager to collect the volcano's ashes, which originate in the earth's mantle below the ocean floor.

But, so far, the new island--which is not yet named--is much too hot for humans to investigate.

This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so reader's discretion is required.