In recent years, a geological phenomenon in the Caspian Sea has captured the attention of POT: a island that appeared and disappeared in a surprisingly short period of time. The islet, known as Chigil Denizwas formed as a result of the eruption of a mud volcano in the region, specifically in the Caspian Sea, about 25 kilometers from the eastern coast of Azerbaijan. This island, which only existed for two years, almost completely vanished by the end of 2024, leaving behind only traces of earth and sand.
The cause of this phenomenon is due to a series of underwater volcanic eruptions that released large amounts of mud, sediment and gases in the area. These materials, pushed by the tectonic and geothermal pressureaccumulated in the sea, creating a small piece of land that, for a short period of time, became an island. The formation of this island was precisely documented by two NASA satellites, Landsat 8 and Landsat 9which were used to monitor the geological conditions of the area and observe the life cycle of the island.
NASA explains the mystery of Chigil Deniz Island
To understand the formation of these ephemeral islands, it is essential to know more about mud volcanoes, geological structures that trigger this phenomenon. Mud volcanoes are very particular natural formations that differ from traditional volcanoes in many aspects.
Instead of expelling molten magma, mud volcanoes expel a mixture of mud, water and gaseswhich comes from the depths of the Earth. This mixture is pushed to the surface due to the tectonic pressure accumulated in areas of high seismic activity. These eruptions are not like those of classic volcanoes, which generate lava flows or violent explosions, but rather they manifest themselves in a much calmer way, but no less powerful.
The process of formation of an island A mud eruption begins when gases and sediments rise through the chimney of the mud volcano and accumulate on the surface, as explained by NASA. This accumulation of materials forms a kind of small elevated terrain that, due to its temporary nature and geological conditions, can be vulnerable to sea waves, underwater currents and other environmental factors that can quickly disintegrate it.
Chigil Deniz Island
The case of the Kumani Bank mud volcano, which gave rise to the Chigil Deniz Islandis an excellent example of how these eruptions can give rise to temporary formations. The mud volcano was activated in November 2022 and produced large amounts of material that were deposited on the sea surface.
The formation of the islet was recorded over several days, and during that time, the expanse of land was clearly visible from satellites. However, due to currents and waves, the island began to disintegrate shortly after its formation, until in 2024 there was nothing left but a small dirt trail.
It is important to highlight that mud volcanoes are not exclusive phenomena on Earth. In fact, several studies suggest that similar formations could exist on other planets, such as Marswhere tectonic and geothermal activity could generate eruptions of mud and sediments.
Caspian Sea
The Caspian Sea region is especially susceptible to the formation of mud volcanoes due to its geological location. This area is located in an area of high tectonic activitywhich means that the Earth’s internal pressures are stronger and therefore mud eruptions are more frequent. Azerbaijan, in particular, is known for its high concentration of mud volcanoes, which not only form ephemeral islands, but also create other types of geological formations in the region.
Mud volcanoes also have an important influence on the environment, as they can alter the water and soil conditions in nearby areas. Additionally, the release of toxic gases during a mud eruption can negatively affect surrounding fauna and flora. However, these volcanoes also play a crucial role in the Earth’s geological cycle, helping to release pressure built up in the Earth’s crust and contributing to the balance of tectonic processes.
The disappearance of Chigil Deniz island and other similar phenomena in the Caspian Sea region have highlighted the complexity of the geological processes that shape the surface of our planet. These events also highlight the importance of scientific research in such specific areas as geology and volcanology. In this sense, the study of mud volcanoes and ephemeral islands is a fascinating window into the functioning of geology on our planet.
