'Ghost island' emerges after underwater volcanic eruption, then quickly vanishes;

A series of satellite images reveals the astonishingly short existence of a "ghost island" that rapidly disappeared from the Caspian Sea upon its emergence. The island's demise was caused by an underwater volcano that erupted dramatically. NASA's Earth Observatory reports that in January 2023, the ephemeral landmass appeared above Kumani Bank. This is an underwater volcano located approximately 15 miles (24 kilometers) off the east coast of Azerbaijan. As reported by Live Science, by the time the volcanic formation was complete, on February 4, 2023, the island spanned roughly 1,300 feet (400 meters) in diameter.

The ephemeral island was inherently unstable. By December 2024, when the last photograph was taken, it had "nearly eroded, retreating from view like an apparition," as noted by Earth Observatory representatives. It is now most likely gone. Since its discovery in 1861, Kumani Bank has erupted eight times, each lasting only a few days. Even with these short eruptions, temporary islands have formed.

When did the strongest eruption occur?

The strongest eruption was recorded in 1950, and it resulted in a 2,300-foot-wide (700 m) landmass that stood 20 feet (6 m) above sea level. Kumani Bank is a mud volcano, which means it erupts with a superheated mix of mud and water instead of lava and ash.

Azerbaijan has one of world’s highest concentrations of mud volcanoes.

Azerbaijan boasts one of the highest concentrations of mud volcanoes globally, featuring over 300 muddy vents both onshore and offshore. This phenomenon is attributed to Azerbaijan's location within a "convergence zone," where the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide, resulting in heightened geothermal activity.

Although mud volcanoes are not as violent or destructive as other volcanoes, they do contain high levels of pressurized natural gas. Sparks from colliding rocks can ignite this gas, causing occasional fiery outbursts. In 2021, an underwater mud volcano near Kumani Bank is believed to have triggered a massive fire, rising several hundred feet above the Caspian Sea. These fiery eruptions, though less common, demonstrate the potent energy held within these geological formations.

🔥 A Glimpse into Earth’s Secrets

This ghost island is more than a geological curiosity—it’s a reminder of how dynamic and unpredictable our planet can be. The Kumani eruption gave scientists a rare chance to study the life cycle of a landmass from birth to disappearance, all through the lens of space-based observation.

Mud Volcanoes vs. Hot Springs: Earth's Hidden Heat, Two Ways

Though both are powered by geothermal energy, mud volcanoes and hot springs are quite different in how they behave, what they release, and where they form. Here's a clear breakdown:

Mud Volcanoes

• Formed by underground gases and fluids pushing mud to the surface.

• Eject mud, methane, and other gases—not lava.

• Temperatures vary widely: some are near boiling, others are surprisingly cold.

• Often cone-shaped or bubbling pools of mud.

• Found in tectonic collision zones like Azerbaijan and Indonesia.

• Can be hazardous due to flammable gases and unstable terrain.

• Not true volcanoes—no magmatic activity involved.

💧 Hot Springs

• Created when groundwater is heated by magma and rises to the surface.

• Release geothermally heated water, often rich in minerals.

• Typically warm to very hot, depending on depth and heat source.

• Appear as clear or colorful pools, sometimes used for bathing.

• Common in volcanic regions like Iceland, Yellowstone, and Japan.

• Generally safe, but some can be dangerously hot.

• Often linked to dormant or active volcanic systems.

🔍 Key Differences:

• Mud volcanoes are driven by gas pressure and sediment, not molten rock. They’re more like Earth’s burps than fiery eruptions.

• Hot springs are nature’s spa—heated by magma, they bubble up gently and often contain minerals that give them vibrant colors.

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