An underwater volcano near the Canary Islands has been pushing lava for the last three weeks and could create a new island on the surface of the Atlantic Ocean.

The spewing lava has already reached 100 meters above the sea floor and needs only 150 meters more to breach the surface of the ocean and create a new Canary Island. Anticipation for the new island has already prompted residents to think of new names the most popular being the Discovery, Atlantis and The Best.

The underwater volcano lies off the coast of El Hierro, the southernmost Canary Island. The eruption of magma is the first the region has seen in over 40 years. Risks to the population are being closely monitored with the direct risk being to those who are near the volcano.

Although the risk to the population is lessened because of proximity, the underwater volcano is still affecting the local environment. The Atlantic Ocean, south of La Restinga village was colored milky green from the eruption. The residents of the island were evacuated on October 11 but they have since returned to their homes. A sea of ash bigger than the El Hierro Island is floating off the island with fish floating dead in the water.

There have been over 10,000 seismic events reported from El Hierro since July. Volcanologists expect more eruptions. Scientists remain unsure about a new island forming but since the volcano hasn't stopped spewing magma, the expectation is becoming closer to reality.

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