Videos posted on social networking sites highlight the appearance of large numbers of bright blue algae in the beaches of California in a natural phenomenon called "the flowering of phytoplankton".
Surf enthusiasts take advantage of this natural phenomenon to enjoy their hobby and enjoy the light blue water.
This phenomenon "phytoplankton bloom" has been going on since last March. The result of the growth of microorganisms occurs very quickly over a short period of time due to ideal growth conditions. During the day algae rises to the surface to capture sunlight.
I got to witness a once in a lifetime phenomenon, bioluminescent algae appeared in the ocean and beaches in California. We ran down to Venice beach, when we arrived this is what we saw! I had to jump in the sea, it was glowing all around me, I literally felt like I was in Avatar! pic.twitter.com/KA43YoGLKA - Louis Cole (@funforlouis) May 7, 2020 |
Phytoplankton is brown, and when there are many, it is referred to as "red tide". But as night falls, it begins to glow blue.
It is believed that this is greater when emotional. With restrictions on beach access lifted, people have been coming in large numbers for surfing and swimming in the illuminated waves.
This is the largest phytoplankton boom in a decade with the largest number of phytoplankton ever recorded, according to the Southern California Coastal Observing Service (SCCOOS).
Usually this condition lasts from one to two weeks only, but it is currently in California that has been going on for more than a month.
Some social media users believe that the emergence of these large numbers of algae is due to the low levels of environmental pollution in California with isolation measures as a result of the outbreak of the new Corona virus.