New Island Created Before Their Eyes

[Tovor]

August 2006, the yacht 'Maiken' is travelling in the south Pacific when they came across a weird sight...

It was sand in the water, and floating ON TOP of the waves...

This is not a beach, it is volcanic stones floating on the water.

And, while they were watching...


A brand new island formed...

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b324/Tovor/Volcano-south-pacific-island-1-14.jpg

This is fascinating! I know that countless islands, including Hawaii itself, were formed by volcanic eruptions. But I had no idea it could happen that quickly.

Learn all about it:
http://www.boreme.com/boreme/funny-2007/south-pacific-island-p1.php

[Master Magnus]

This is fascinating! I know that countless islands, including Hawaii itself, were formed by volcanic eruptions. But I had no idea it could happen that quickly.
Well, you have the island of Surtsey outside of Iceland which, together with many other small islands which rather quickly eroded away (within a few months) was formed from a volcanic eruption in 1963. Surtsey is today about half the size as it was when it was at its biggest in 1967. Geology can be very interesting at times.

[Tovor]

Well, you have the island of Surtsey outside of Iceland which, together with many other small islands which rather quickly eroded away (within a few months) was formed from a volcanic eruption in 1963. Surtsey is today about half the size as it was when it was at its biggest in 1967. Geology can be very interesting at times.
Indeed it can be. Interesting, that is.

So, how long did it take for the island of Surtsey to form from the eruption?
In the case of the photos I linked, it seemed like it was a matter of hours, or less, in those photos, that's what surprised me.

[Master Magnus]

Indeed it can be. Interesting, that is.

So, how long did it take for the island of Surtsey to form from the eruption?
In the case of the photos I linked, it seemed like it was a matter of hours, or less, in those photos, that's what surprised me.
Yes, that's quite fast. The eruption which formed Surtsey started on November 8 1963 (smoke was seen emerging from the ocean) and one week later the island could be seen above the water (as the eruptions and smoke continued) although it took a few years (to 1966 IIRC) when it was at its maximum size. There are strong similarities with Surtsey (although this eruption must've been stronger) and the people who witnessed this arrived at exact the right time. One thing is quite different though. The ash from the eruptions which formed Surtsey was electrically charged and caused some severe thunderstorms over the newly-formed island. That phenomena seems to have been absent here.

[JackBauer24]

Wow...it's like the LOST island. All we need is weird magnetic disturbances and a giand monster made of smoke...

[RollaFett]

Lex Luthor is probably kicking himself.

[Sargoth]

Wow...it's like the LOST island. All we need is weird magnetic disturbances and a giand monster made of smoke...

And sharks!! With frikkin lasers on their heads!