evidence: Vozrozhdeniya Island, Aral Sea [...] In 1848, A. Butakov discovered Vozrozhdeniya Island while exploring the Aral Sea. The island was initially named in honor of Tsar Nicholas I and became known as Vozrozhdeniya Island following the establishment of the USSR. It had no sources of fresh water but supported populations of saiga antelopes and waterfowl, making it a safe haven for these animals. In the early 20th century, a small settlement emerged on the island, serving as a temporary stopover for fishermen, and a small fish processing plant was also operating there. Later, from 1924 to 1926, the island was used to exile kulaks (wealthy peasants). [...] From 1960, the water level in the Aral Sea began to fall, intensifying yearly. The area of Vozrozhdeniya Island started to expand when the shoreline moved away from the town. Over time, the airfield became the sole method of communication with the island, as barges were not able to deliver water and provisions. Over 30 years, the area of Vozrozhdeniya Island increased tenfold! In 1960, it was 216 square kilometers, and by 1990, it had expanded to over 2000 kilometers. By the early 21st century, the island had become a peninsula, and by 2009, it had completely merged with the mainland.