Russian Scientists Discover a New Island in the Caspian Sea — The World’s Largest Inland Body of Water

A recent Russian research expedition has confirmed the presence of a previously unknown island in the northern region of the Caspian Sea, the largest inland body of water on Earth. However, the team has not yet been able to set foot on the island.

The newly formed island, which remains unnamed, lies approximately 19 miles (30 kilometers) southwest of Maly Zhemchuzhny Island, according to a statement translated from the Russian state news agency TASS. At the time of the expedition, the island was only slightly above the water level, featuring a mostly flat surface covered with damp sand ridges.

Stepan Podolyako, a senior researcher at the Russian Academy of Sciences’ P. P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology (IO RAS) and a member of the expedition, explained that the island’s appearance is linked to the Caspian Sea’s fluctuating water levels. He noted that such islands, known as awash islands, are seabed elevations that become exposed during periods when the sea level drops.

The Caspian Sea has experienced cycles of rising and falling water levels, with significant declines during the 1930s and 1970s, followed by recoveries. Since around 2010, the water levels have been decreasing again, leading to the emergence of this new landmass.

Satellite imagery first indicated the island’s formation in November 2024, revealing a mound of sand and sediment breaking the water’s surface and beginning to dry. Despite this, the existence of the island was initially met with some skepticism.

During the recent expedition, researchers were able to approach the island to verify its presence but were prevented from landing due to adverse weather and very shallow waters. Drone photography captured images showing the island’s size and some features, but more detailed studies are necessary to fully understand its characteristics.

Podolyako shared that a return expedition is planned for the latter half of 2025 to conduct further exploration.

The island’s official name will be decided following this visit. If the island exhibits distinctive traits, it may be named accordingly; otherwise, it could be named in honor of a person who has made important scientific or cultural contributions to the region.

Currently, the island rises just a few inches above the water, but this could change as river inflows into the Caspian Sea decline during the summer and fall, potentially lowering surrounding water levels and increasing the island’s elevation.