The Japan Coast Guard reported that during an overflight of Nishinoshima on 25 January scientists observed intermittent activity and small, blackish-gray plumes rising 900 m from the central part of the crater. The fumarolic zone on the E flank and base of the cone had expanded and emissions had intensified. Dark brown discolored water was visible all around the volcanic island.

Geological Summary. The small island of Nishinoshima was enlarged when several new islands coalesced during an eruption in 1973-74. Multiple eruptions that began in 2013 completely covered the previous exposed surface and continued to enlarge the island. The island is the summit of a massive submarine volcano that has prominent peaks to the S, W, and NE. The summit of the southern cone rises to within 214 m of the ocean surface 9 km SSE.

Source: Japan Coast Guard