This Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite image features the Japanese island of Nishinoshima. This small uninhabited volcanic island is located in the northwest Pacific Ocean, approximately 1000 km south of Tokyo. Nishinoshima has experienced alternating periods of explosive activity and calm since 1974, leading to the island’s growth. Credit: Contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data , processed by ESA, CC BY-SA 3.
This satellite image from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission features the Japanese island of Nishinoshima, in the northwest Pacific Ocean. Until 1974, only a part of the ridge of the otherwise submerged caldera was visible, and the island was about 700 m long and 200 m wide. Since then, Nishinoshima has experienced alternating periods of explosive activity and calm, but lava from various eruptions over the years has led to the island growing bigger.
The yellowish discoloration of the water around the island is due to volcanic minerals, gas, and seafloor sediment that is being stirred up by the volcanic activity. It stretches for about 10 km to the southeast, where ocean currents turn it into bright green swirls.