What's Behind the Swirling Clouds Around Jeju Island?

Jeju Island, a volcanic landmass located off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula, has been the subject of a striking display of swirling clouds and turbulent water. The image, captured by NASA's Terra satellite on February 19, 2026, shows a trail of spiraling clouds and colorful, churned-up water surrounding the island.

So, what's behind this unusual weather pattern? The answer lies in the unique geography of Jeju Island and the winds that blow past it. The island's tallest point, Hallasan, is a shield volcano that rises about 1,950 meters (6,400 feet) above the sea surface. This volcanic peak creates a distinctive landscape that disrupts the flow of air, leading to the formation of swirling clouds.

The MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) instrument on NASA's Terra satellite captured the image, which shows the clouds and water in vivid detail. The swirling clouds are a result of the winds blowing past the island in a specific way, creating a phenomenon known as a "von Kármán vortex street." This occurs when winds blow past a blunt object, such as a mountain or island, and create a series of rotating air masses that can extend for thousands of kilometers.

The unique combination of Jeju Island's geography and the winds that blow past it make it an ideal location for observing this phenomenon. The island's volcanic peak creates a disruption in the airflow, which leads to the formation of the swirling clouds. The image captured by the Terra satellite provides a striking example of this phenomenon and highlights the complex interactions between the atmosphere and the Earth's surface.

In addition to the swirling clouds, the image also shows a significant amount of turbulent water around the island. This is likely due to the strong winds and currents that surround the island, which can create rough seas and churned-up water.

The image of the swirling clouds and turbulent water around Jeju Island is not only a striking display of natural beauty but also an important reminder of the complex interactions between the atmosphere and the Earth's surface. By studying this phenomenon, scientists can gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms that drive the Earth's weather patterns and improve our ability to predict and prepare for extreme weather events.

NASA's Terra satellite has been instrumental in capturing images of this phenomenon, providing valuable insights into the Earth's weather patterns and the complex interactions between the atmosphere and the Earth's surface. The satellite's MODIS instrument has been used to study a wide range of weather phenomena, from hurricanes and typhoons to volcanic eruptions and wildfires.

In conclusion, the swirling clouds and turbulent water around Jeju Island are a striking display of the complex interactions between the atmosphere and the Earth's surface. The unique combination of the island's geography and the winds that blow past it create a phenomenon that is both beautiful and fascinating. By studying this phenomenon, scientists can gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms that drive the Earth's weather patterns and improve our ability to predict and prepare for extreme weather events.