New Pacific Ocean Island Spotted After Underwater Volcanic Eruption

An undersea volcano is seen erupting off the coast of Tonga, sending plumes of steam, ash, and smoke up to 100 meters into the air on March 18, 2009. Dana Stephenson/Getty Images

A new island has emerged in the southwest Pacific Ocean after an underwater volcano erupted near Tonga, although its existence may only be transitory, according to NASA’s Earth Observatory.

The Home Reef volcano in the Central Tonga Islands began to erupt on Sept. 10, oozing lava, emitting steam and ash, and discoloring the surrounding water. NASA stated that the new island was formed 11 hours later.