A tiny lava island has sprouted off the coast of Hawaii's Big Island. If the formation remains, it would be the state's 10th island.
The new island is about 30 feet across and appears to be discharging lava from its center. It’s located off the north coast of Hawaii, where lava has been flowing from Kilauea since early May.
The new island is believed to be made up from the lava flow that extends underwater from Kilauea. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, pressure from beneath the surface likely pushed the lava up, a common occurrence called “tumulus,” CNN reported.
The island first made its appearance Thursday, and was verified the following morning by a Hawaii Volcano observatory crew flying overhead.
However, the new formation is not expected to last long as an island. If the lava flow continues, it likely will connect to the main island; if not, the erosion from wave action will probably wear it away.
The Hawaiian Island group consists of eight main islands — Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Kahoolawe, Lanai, Molokai, Kauai and Niihau — and one additional small island Kaala, located near Niihau.
In the unlikely event this new island remains an island, it will be up to the local community, not the USGS, to name it. A few Twitter users already suggested names.
Others were ready to pack their bags and move in.
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