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Scientists observed that the newly emerged island, though only modestly above the surrounding waters, featured a flat and damp terrain with sand ridges, highlighting a notable development in the dynamic ecosystem of the Caspian Sea.

Published on: June 18, 2025

Edited on: June 18, 2025

UNNAMED ISLAND

Russia: Russian scientists have confirmed the discovery of a new island in the Caspian Sea, the world’s largest inland body of water.

The emerging landmass was detected in the Astrakhan State Nature Reserve, approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Maly Zhemchuzhny Island at the northern end of the Caspian Sea, according to the Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, part of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

The new island first appeared in satellite images captured in November 2024 and was later verified by a research team from the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Its emergence is attributed to a significant decline in the Caspian Sea’s water levels, exposing previously submerged seabed features. Historically, the Caspian Sea has experienced fluctuating water levels, dropping during the 1930s and 1970s before recovering, and now falling again since around 2010.

During a recent expedition, researchers observed that the island’s surface is relatively flat, damp, and dominated by sand ridges. Though only slightly elevated above the surrounding waters, the island represents an important milestone in the region’s evolving environment.

CASPIAN SEA
Rep Image | Image Courtesy: X@theepicmap

Scientists noted that such islands are part of the sea’s natural cyclical processes, forming when receding waters reveal seabed uplifts. Some of these islands may be temporary, subject to changing conditions.

With the Caspian Sea’s water levels continuing to decline, the newly formed island is expected to expand in size over the coming years. The Shirshov Institute of Oceanology highlights its potential as a vital nesting habitat for rare bird species and the endangered Caspian seal, adding ecological value to the discovery.

Experts attribute the fluctuating sea levels to a combination of climate change and tectonic activity beneath the seabed. Stepan Podolyako, a senior researcher at the Shirshov Institute, explained that warmer temperatures have increased evaporation rates, contributing to the shrinking sea. Meanwhile, the earth movements under the seabed may also influence water level changes.

These factors collectively promote the cyclical rise and fall of the Caspian Sea, causing seabed features to periodically emerge as ‘awash islands.’ These landforms appear during periods of low water levels, often exacerbated by climatic or tectonic shifts.

Scientists were unable to land on the island due to adverse weather conditions and the shallow waters surrounding the formation.

Currently unnamed, the island’s official designation will be considered during a planned follow-up expedition in the latter half of 2025. Authorities may choose a name reflecting notable geographical features or in honor of a prominent scientist or cultural figure associated with the region.

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