Japanese 'Snoopy' island created by volcanic eruption [1]

 

The Guardian - 12/30/13, Justin McCurry

A volcanic eruption in Japan [2] would usually have people living nearby reaching for their protective masks. But the recent formation [3] of an island off the country's Pacific coast, after weeks of volcanic activity, has prompted more enchantment than fear at nature's volatility.

In the weeks since it rose from the sea 620 miles (1,000km) south of Tokyo, the island expanded amid continued volcanic activity, before merging with an existing island to create a new landmass with a remarkable resemblance to a cartoon dog – Snoopy.

More: Guardian.co.uk [4]