Tenzin Chodon
In the Maldives, shifting monsoon winds move sand constantly. Sandbanks appear and vanish with tides and currents, often changing shape, location, and size within weeks or months.
Linked to mainland Shetland by a sandy tombolo, St Ninian’s Isle is sometimes cut off when strong tides and winter waves flood the narrow strip completely.
This historic island is connected by a causeway that floods twice daily. During higher tides, the road disappears entirely, leaving the island temporarily isolated from the mainland.
Famous for its abbey, Mont Saint-Michel becomes an island during high tides. Rising waters surround it completely, especially during powerful spring tides linked to the lunar cycle.
Near Edinburgh, Cramond Island is reachable on foot at low tide. The sea returns quickly, submerging the causeway and cutting off access until waters recede again.
Three small islands are joined by a sandbar that shifts with tides. During high water, the connecting strip disappears, turning the formation into separate islands again.
In Devon, Burgh Island connects to the mainland by a sandy path at low tide. When waters rise, access vanishes and visitors rely on a sea tractor.
Formed by the Kumani Bank mud volcanoes in the Caspian Sea, this temporary island rises above the surface, then slowly erodes and disappears back beneath the water.