Watching this newborn island erode could tell us a lot about Mars

Its volcanic tuff is tougher than expected and may withstand ocean waves for years

Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai

BABY PICS  Scientists are keeping an eye on the rates of erosion of volcanic ash on Earth’s newest island, called Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai.

Cecile Sabau, Damien Grouille, NASA

NEW ORLEANS — Earth’s youngest bit of land is getting a new lease on life.