Smith Island (Japan)

Smith Island

Native name: <span class="nickname" ">Sumisu-tō (須美寿島)
Geography
Location	Izu Islands
Coordinates	31°26′13″N 140°02′49″E / 31.43694°N 140.04694°E
Archipelago	Izu Islands
Area	30,000 m^2 (320,000 sq ft)
Highest elevation	134 m (440 ft)
Administration
Japan
Demographics
Population	0

Smith Island, also known as Smith Rock (須美寿島 Sumisu-tō) is a volcanic, deserted island located in the Philippine Sea approximately 110 kilometres (68 mi) off the coast of Aogashima, near the southern end of the Izu archipelago, Japan.

Geography

The island is a basalt and olivine pillar with sheer sides, the only visible portion of an active submarine volcanic caldera extending south of the island with a circumference of approximately 10 kilometres (6.2 mi). The above sea-level portion has a height of 134 metres (440 ft). The island is estimated to have been created by a volcanic eruption around 20,000 years ago. In the immediate vicinity are numerous exposed and awash rocks. Due to its shape and heavy seas it is difficult to disembark on the island, although at times fishermen are known to have landed. The abundance of fish in the surrounding waters have made it attractive for both sport and commercial fishing.

History

The island has been known by Japanese fishermen and mariners from an early time. In 1870, a submarine eruption was recorded NNE of the island, resulting in the formation of a new islet, named Niijima (新島), with a height of 13 metres (43 ft). The islet has subsequently sunk beneath sea level due to erosion. From 1974-1977, a series of underwater eruptions have been recorded, discoloring water in the area. In November 1991, a fishing vessel reported that a large section of the island’s northern face had collapsed, resulting in a significant change in its profile. Further changes to the island’s profile were recorded after 1992 earthquakes.

Sumisu-tō is administratively part of Tokyo Metropolis.

See also

• Izu Islands

External links

• Japan Coast Guard submarine volcano database (Japanese)
• Entry at Oceandots.com at the Wayback Machine (archived December 23, 2010)

References