Melting glaciers in the Arctic have uncovered five new islands previously unknown to humans, according to the Russian navy. The islands were first spotted via satellite imagery in 2016, but their existence was only confirmed after a mapping expedition to the site was undertaken over August and September. The islands range in size from tiny to massive, with the largest expanding around 54,500 square metres. Despite being only a few years old, the islands are already thriving with life, including algae, plant life, birds and signs of larger land animals. However, the islands may not last through the decade due to receding glaciers.