The island is 11 times bigger in just 15 months

A small island off the coast of Japan has a spectacular "growth" in the area erupted by volcanoes.

Nishinoshima Island.(Photo: Japanese Coast Guard)

In just 15 months, Nishinoshima Island - 620 miles south of Tokyo, increased 11 times from its original size, Hawaii News Now reported.

The March 3 Huffington Post said the island's rapid growth began in November 2013, when a new island called Niijima formed near Nishinoshima as a result of a volcanic eruption beneath the sea. Finally, Niijima has merged with Nishinoshima, making the old island area increase many times.

Japanese Coast Guard reported that the island could increase the area due to undersea volcanoes still active. In a recent aerial survey, the force observed that a 1,200 m smoke column appeared from the crater, at the same time many rocks, lava was sprayed out every minute.

According to the Smithsonian Institute's Global Volcanic Program (US), this volcano once operated in 1973 to 1975, providing rock for Nishinoshima island exists. From then until 2013, the volcano has not awakened yet. According to the Japanese Coast Guard, as of February 23, Nishinoshima area has increased to 2.45 km2 and continuously expanded to the east of the island.