NASA satellites capture eerie appearance of "ghost island" near Azerbaijan

NASA satellites have recently documented the fleeting appearance of a "ghost island" off the coast of Azerbaijan in the Caspian Sea. This temporary landmass, which emerges and disappears with surprising regularity, is the result of volcanic activity beneath the sea—specifically, eruptions from a mud volcano located in the region.

According to Sciencealert, the first sighting of the island occurred in May 1861, when it was documented by scientists, per Caliber.Az.

However, it disappeared almost as quickly as it had formed, vanishing the following year. Throughout the 20th century, the island resurfaced and vanished several times, with at least six recorded appearances. The most recent event occurred in January 2023, when the island briefly emerged before fading away once more. Satellite imagery from NASA’s Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 missions captured these phenomena, marking each appearance and disappearance of the small landmass.

The most powerful eruption recorded took place in 1950. During this event, the mud volcano created an island that was approximately 700 meters in width and six meters in height. This eruption marked one of the largest mud volcano events in the region, showcasing the explosive potential of mud volcanoes, which are particularly common in the Caspian Sea area.

Scientists attribute the creation of such islands to the geological process in which underground pressure forces hot fluids, gases, and mud to the surface. These mud volcanoes are capable of creating temporary landmasses that remain above water until natural processes or subsequent eruptions submerge them once again.

This ghost island serves as a striking example of nature's unpredictable forces and the dynamic changes occurring beneath the surface of the Caspian Sea.

The appearance of these ephemeral islands has fascinated scientists and laypeople alike, adding to the mystery of the Caspian Sea and the ongoing study of its geological activity.

By Tamilla Hasanova