Satellites have captured images of a "ghost" island in the Caspian Sea.

The island known as Chigil-deniz emerged from the waters of the Caspian Sea following the eruption of the Kumani mud volcano in early 2023. By the end of the following year, it had almost eroded away, vanishing from sight like a ghost.

Researchers have recorded several powerful eruptions of Kumani, which have created similar temporary islands since the first documented eruption of this volcano in 1861.

The eight previous recorded eruptions of Kumani occurred in bursts lasting less than two days and produced islands of various sizes. For instance, in May 1861, an eruption resulted in the formation of an island that was only 87 meters wide and 3.5 meters high above the water. It was eroded away by the beginning of 1862. The most significant eruption took place in 1950, forming an island that was 700 meters wide and six meters high.