Showy Swirls Around Jeju Island
NASA
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Jeju Island, South Korea’s highest point, captured attention recently as winds created a stunning display of swirling clouds known as von Kármán vortex streets. These intricate patterns form when strong but not overly powerful winds pass over a tall, isolated object—here, the volcanic island—with just the right speed to create counterrotating vortices. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite captured this phenomenon near Jeju Island on February 19, 2026, revealing wispy, staggered spirals in the sky.
The island, home to Hallasan, a shield volcano that last erupted in the 11th century, stands at 1,950 meters (6,400 feet) above sea level. The swirling cloud formations are a fascinating example of fluid dynamics in nature, where atmospheric physics creates visually striking patterns. Von Kármán vortex streets occur when an object disrupts airflow, causing the air to curl and twist in alternating directions. While the underlying science is consistent, the appearance of these vortices can vary based on wind speed and other conditions.
Near Jeju Island, the seas were also turbulent during this period. To the west, sediment plumes from China’s Jiangsu province turned the water murky, a phenomenon that occurs due to seasonal changes in ocean currents and vertical mixing. Such plumes are more expansive during winter months, highlighting how environmental factors influence both atmospheric and marine ecosystems.
This event underscores the intricate interplay between landforms, wind patterns, and ocean dynamics. For space enthusiasts and researchers alike, it offers a unique glimpse into Earth’s natural processes, demonstrating how satellite imagery can reveal both beauty and scientific insights. The swirling clouds near Jeju Island not only captivate the eye but also provide valuable data for understanding atmospheric phenomena and their broader environmental implications.
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Originally published on NASA on 2/24/2026