That islet that merged with its neighbor, Nishinoshima island, is continuing to grow. Lava flows on the islet then known as Niijima -- on the right in this November 2014 photo -- have increased the island's size. The islet is in the Ogasawara Islands, also known as the Bonin Islands, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) south of Tokyo was first spotted on November 20, 2013, by Japan's coast guard.
That islet that merged with its neighbor, Nishinoshima island, is continuing to grow. Lava flows on the islet then known as Niijima -- on the right in this November 2014 photo -- have increased the island's size. The islet is in the Ogasawara Islands, also known as the Bonin Islands, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) south of Tokyo was first spotted on November 20, 2013, by Japan's coast guard.
Asahi Shimbun/Getty Images
On March 30, 2014, the Operational Land Imager on the Landsat 8 satellite captured this image of the combined island. The merged island is now slightly more than six-tenths of a mile across. The growing islet, originally called Niijima, is now considered part of its larger neighbor, Nishinoshima.
2 islands merge near Japan —
On March 30, 2014, the Operational Land Imager on the Landsat 8 satellite captured this image of the combined island. The merged island is now slightly more than six-tenths of a mile across. The growing islet, originally called Niijima, is now considered part of its larger neighbor, Nishinoshima.
NASA Earth Observatory image
This satellite image of volcanic activity, collected on December 31, 2014 shows Niijima merging with Nishinoshima.
2 islands merge near Japan —
This satellite image of volcanic activity, collected on December 31, 2014 shows Niijima merging with Nishinoshima.
DigitalGlobe/ScapeWare3d via Getty Images
Niijima, bottom right, and Nishinoshima are seen conjoined on December 26, 2014.
2 islands merge near Japan —
Niijima, bottom right, and Nishinoshima are seen conjoined on December 26, 2014.
JAPAN COAST GUARD/AFP/Getty Images
The Advanced Land Imager on NASA's Earth Observing-1 satellite captured this natural-color image of the two islands on December 8, 2013.
2 islands merge near Japan —
The Advanced Land Imager on NASA's Earth Observing-1 satellite captured this natural-color image of the two islands on December 8, 2013.
NASA Earth Observatory image
Niijima is seen behind Nishinoshima on November 26, 2013.
2 islands merge near Japan —
Niijima is seen behind Nishinoshima on November 26, 2013.
JAPAN COAST GUARD/AFP/Getty Images
Niijima island spews jets of steam and ash near Nishinoshima island on November 2013. Niijima emerged about 500 meters (550 yards) from the older Nishinoshima.
2 islands merge near Japan —
Niijima island spews jets of steam and ash near Nishinoshima island on November 2013. Niijima emerged about 500 meters (550 yards) from the older Nishinoshima.
The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Images
Two volcanic craters are shown on Niijima on November 22, 2013.
2 islands merge near Japan —
Two volcanic craters are shown on Niijima on November 22, 2013.
JAPAN COAST GUARD/AFP/Getty Images