Forces Of Nature: Volcanic Islands Of Tonga

By Danielle Cookish

In the South Pacific earlier this year, an underwater volcano off Tonga erupted and continued to expand, creating a brand new island. This new land mass sits between two older, smaller volcanic islands called Hunga Ha’apai and Hunga Tonga.

Tonga hotel owner and photographer Gianpiero Orbassano arrived on the new island’s black beach, the surface still hot from eruption.

Orbassano’s photographs give us a glimpse into the beauty and power of nature.

The above satellite image shows the island after emerging from the sea; steam from tremendous pockets of volcanic heat meeting the air.

The murky green body of water resting in the crater of the island was described by locals as giving off a strong odor of sulfur.

Orbassano told press that the island has already become home to thousands of seabirds who have begun using the new land as nesting ground.

The maximum height of the island is estimated at 820 feet. The new land stretches just under a mile long and approximately half mile wide. It has remained unnamed while officials are not certain how long the island will remain. It is expected to descend back into the sea in only a few months.

All photographs were taken by GP Orbassano.