At the beach (after a storm)

Published on by bushboy

RDP Monday: Sludge

Waves
turbulent
wind whipped

Swirling
twisting
splashing free

Rocks
veiled
life extinguished.

A bit about what you just saw. This sludge is called Sea Foam created when storms roll in and the ocean is agitated by wind and waves.

Seawater contains dissolved salts, proteins, fats, dead algae, detergents and other pollutants. The creation of sea foam can occur often in gargantuan proportions when all these ingredients are mixed together rather violently.

Most sea foam is not harmful to humans and is often an indication of a productive ocean ecosystem. But when large harmful algal blooms decay near shore, there are potential for impacts to human health and the environment. During blooms popping sea foam bubbles are one way that algal toxins become airborne. This algae is a form of Blue-green Algae, one of the oldest life forms on earth.

REF: https://www.oceanwatch.org.au/latest-news/coastal-marine/what-is-sea-foam-and-why-does-it-happen/

26 thoughts on “At the beach (after a storm)”

    1. Yes to all. Quite amazing. It always disturbs me when I see kids playing in the sea foam knowing the possible minor health risks, irritation to mucus membranes and eyes and ears, maybe gastro if ingested

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