Lost island returns

Just 8 meters (26 feet) below the surface of the Mediterranean Sea, a volcanic island sunken for more than 170 years may burst out of the water and blow its top, says Italian volcano expert Enzo Boschi.

The top of island Ferdinandea last surfaced in 1831, when scorching magma (molten rock) inflated the volcano's base and thrust its peak some 65 meters (213 feet) above sea level. The volcano spat lava for six months, then slumped back into the sea.

Boschi is uncertain when Ferdinandea will emerge again, but says the volcano will announce its arrival with earthquakes and fiery belches 20 to 30 days before emerging.

Ferdinandea lies 20 kilometers south of Sicily, but Boschi says the volcano poses little threat "except to some fish and fishermen."

(See diagram, above.)

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