. >>> japanese researchers have conducted the first ground survey of a kol vannic island that's been erupting for nearly two years. it's located about 1,000 kilometers south of tokyo. the lava created a new land mass that merged with the existing islands and changed the entire landscape. the researchers got a first hand look at the changes. nhk world reports. >> reporter: the group approached the island by boat and swam the last 30 meters to avoid damaging the environment. [ speaking foreign language ]. >> reporter: they headed first to the original part of the island. the researchers were surprised to find plants which survived the eruption. during the survey, they found various plants including grass, which had grown after the eruption. [ speaking foreign language ]]. >> reporter: they also found old birds' nests and young birds hatched this year. the researchers say this species inhabited the island before the eruption. they confirmed sea birds have been breeding on the island despite the volcanic activity. the eruptions began in november 2013. it was the first time in almost 40 y