Home Reef (Tonga) volcano, eruption news: new island born

A new (likely ephemeral) island has risen to the surface in the Tonga islands (ufficially 169 islands), that now count 170 islands.
The new island is located between the islands of Kao in the Ha'apai Group and Late in the Vava'u Group, and was formed by recent activity of underwater Home Reef volcano, that has built ephemeral islands in the past as well. The present eruption started on August 12-13 eruption. Large pumice rafts drifting to the Fiji Islands were observed, some several miles across.
The new island was 800 m long and 400m wide as on October 4, 2006. Hot lakes are visible on the ASTER thermal bands, maximum temperature measured: 64.7C.

Links and further info: 

- CVL web site.
- For an interesting news article, please check Matangi online from Tonga.
- The yacht "Maiken" sailed in the area on 17 August and observed the erupting island as well as impressive ppumice rafts. A report with interesting photos is found here.

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