Island started forming in January after a volcano close to Tonga erupted underwater and then expanded . Images taken by three divers who climbed to the peak of the island 40 miles ( 65 km ) southwest of capital harbor . They said the surface of the island was still warm and it contained a vast green lake which smelled of sulphur . New island is 1.1 miles ( 2 km ) by 0.9 miles ( 1.5 km ) , and it rises about 328 feet ( 100 metres ) above the sea .
Island started forming in January after a volcano close to Tonga exploded underwater and then expanded . Images taken by three men who climbed to the peak of the island 40 miles ( 65 km ) north of capital Nuku'alofa . They said the surface of the island was still warm and it contained a vast green lake which smelled of sulphur . New island is 1.1 miles ( 1.8 km ) by 0.9 miles ( 1.5km ) , and it rises about 328ft ( 100 metres ) above the sea .