NASA Satellites Track Vanishing Ghost Island

NASA satellites have captured images of a transient 'ghost island' that emerged and then almost entirely vanished in the Caspian Sea, resulting from the eruption of the Kumani Bank mud volcano in early 2023. The island, which measured approximately 400 meters across, was first observed above water on February 14, 2023, following months of volcanic activity. By the end of 2024, the island had eroded significantly, retreating from view ‘like an apparition,’ according to the NASA Earth Observatory. The Kumani mud volcano has a history of producing similar ephemeral islands since its first recorded eruption in 1861, highlighting the dynamic geological forces at play in the region. These mud volcanoes are not only fascinating geological formations but are also linked to the hydrocarbon systems of the South Caspian Basin, making their study crucial for understanding the area’s geology. Geologist Mark Tingay noted that while these features are intriguing, they remain largely understudied and poorly understood.