Kumani Bank Mud Volcano
Summary
*Source: ST* **Context: **The Kumani Bank mud volcano, located off Azerbaijan’s eastern coast, erupted in 2023, creating a short-lived island, popularly termed a “Ghost Island.” By the end of 2024, this ephemeral island had largely eroded back into the sea. **About Kumani Bank Mud Volcano:** • **Located in: **Situated approximately **25 km (15 miles)** off the eastern coast of **Azerbaijan** in the **Caspian Sea**. • **What is a Ghost Island?** A **Ghost Island** refers to a temporary landmas
Exam Brief
GS-1Kumani Bank mud volcano erupted in 2023, creating a temporary island. UPSC can ask about mud volcanoes, their formation, and geological significance.
Key Facts
- Kumani Bank volcano is in the Caspian Sea, off Azerbaijan.
- The 'Ghost Island' formed in 2023 and eroded by 2024.
- Island measured 400 meters across.
- Azerbaijan has over 300 mud volcanoes.
Prelims — What UPSC Might Ask
- Location of Caspian Sea and bordering countries.
- Formation process of mud volcanoes.
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Source Article Content
Source: ST
**Context: **The Kumani Bank mud volcano, located off Azerbaijan’s eastern coast, erupted in 2023, creating a short-lived island, popularly termed a “Ghost Island.” By the end of 2024, this ephemeral island had largely eroded back into the sea.
About Kumani Bank Mud Volcano:
• **Located in: **Situated approximately 25 km (15 miles) off the eastern coast of Azerbaijan in the Caspian Sea. • What is a Ghost Island? A Ghost Island refers to a temporary landmass created by volcanic activity, particularly mud volcanoes, that erodes back into the water over time. • A Ghost Island refers to a temporary landmass created by volcanic activity, particularly mud volcanoes, that erodes back into the water over time. • Ephemeral Nature: • The island formed in 2023, measuring 400 meters (1,300 feet) across. By late 2024, it had nearly disappeared into the sea. • The island formed in 2023, measuring 400 meters (1,300 feet) across. • By late 2024, it had nearly disappeared into the sea. • Significance: Geological Insights: Helps scientists understand tectonic processes and subsurface pressure dynamics. Martian Analogs: Provides clues about similar features on Mars, aiding in planetary exploration studies. Environmental Impact: Linked to the South Caspian Basin’s hydrocarbon system, contributing to methane and gas emissions. Regional Importance: Highlights Azerbaijan’s unique geological landscape, which boasts 300+ mud volcanoes, the largest concentration globally. • Geological Insights: Helps scientists understand tectonic processes and subsurface pressure dynamics. • Martian Analogs: Provides clues about similar features on Mars, aiding in planetary exploration studies. • Environmental Impact: Linked to the South Caspian Basin’s hydrocarbon system, contributing to methane and gas emissions. • Regional Importance: Highlights Azerbaijan’s unique geological landscape, which boasts 300+ mud volcanoes, the largest concentration globally. About Caspian Sea:
• Located in: • The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest inland body of water, spanning approximately 386,400 sq. km. It is situated between Asia and Europe, east of the Caucasus Mountains and west of Central Asia’s steppe. • The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest inland body of water, spanning approximately 386,400 sq. km. • It is situated between Asia and Europe, east of the Caucasus Mountains and west of Central Asia’s steppe. • **Bordering countries: **Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Iran. • Rivers draining into Caspian Sea: • Volga River (largest contributing river). Ural River. Terek River. • Volga River (largest contributing river). • Ural River. • Terek River. Insta links:
• Caspian-sea