Vanishing island explained

Vanishing island refers to any permanent island which is exposed at low tide but is submersed at high tide. Vanishing islands occur globally. There are vanishing islands in the Philippines and several in the San Juan Islands.[1]

In early times, seamen were confused by this phenomenon and invented explanations for it, usually involving a massive sea monster that would let a crew land on its back before submersing itself, drowning the crew. Notable examples of these include the aspidochelone, Fastitocalon, Jasconius, Lyngbakr, Hafgufa, and various accounts of the kraken. [2]

The phrase is sometimes incorrectly used to refer to Islands which may be permanently lost due to climate change.[3]

Examples

There is a vanishing island off the west coast of Samal Island in the Philippines.[4]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Reyes. Celine. 2017-09-01. VANISHING ISLAND, ALBAY: IMPORTANT TRAVEL TIPS. 2020-11-26. Philippine Beach Guide. en-US.
  2. Book: Genlis, Stéphanie Félicité comtesse de. Tales of the Castle: Or, Stories of Instruction and Delight. 1785. G. G. J. and J. Robinson. en.
  3. Web site: Vanishing Islands Smithsonian Ocean . 2023-05-01 . ocean.si.edu . en.
  4. Web site: The Vanishing Island: Samal, Davao . trip the islands . June 25, 2019.