Swirling Clouds Near Jeju Island

Science Von Karman Vortices Satellite Imagery Ocean Sediment Korea

Source: NASA Science•Original, Adapted by LoopRead

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Apr 8, 2026

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Showy Swirls Around Jeju Island - NASA Science

science.nasa.gov

A series of spiraling clouds extends southeast from an oval-shaped island in the Korea Strait. To the west, a large sediment plume fans out from the coast of China and forms tan, teal, and blue swirls in the water.

A NASA satellite captured an image showing swirls near Jeju Island, which is located in South Korea.

How the Swirls Form

The swirls are known as von Kármán vortices. When wind hits a tall volcano, it creates spinning clouds. The volcano in question is Hallasan, located on Jeju Island.

The Colorful Sea

The sea in the image appears brown due to a sediment plume flowing into the ocean from the coast of China. This plume carries tiny particles of rock and soil, which tint the water tan and teal as it mixes with the blue ocean.

The satellite's camera helps scientists study these natural patterns to better understand interactions between the atmosphere and the ocean.

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Question 1 of 4

Swirling Clouds Near Jeju Island

How the Swirls Form

The Colorful Sea

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What took the picture of the swirls?

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