Nishino-shima volcano (Volcano Islands, Japan) activity update

The island continues to grow as lava flows slowly spread into several directions. This is shown nicely by the latest aerial survey pictures the Japanese Coast guard took on 28 Feb. The most active flow fronts are currently at the southern shore while advance on the northern and eastern margins of the flow field has slowed down.
Two prominent cones have formed around the main vents, the smaller and younger of which still has strombolian activity as well, judging from the available photos.

One can note the closure of a small bay that had been formed in early Feb by lava flow tongues; eventually, the two flows touched and separated the bay from open water, turning it into a small lake. Several other small bays present now (or, on 28 Feb, at least) are in the process of forming and probably become lakes as well in the future. The discoloration of the enclosed water comes from dissolved gasses and fine material in suspension. The fate of these lakes will depend on the evolution of the lava flows. If new flows cover them, they might well disappear as well.