How does ocean foam form?
Australian beach ocean foam occurs every few years, the most spectacular one was in 2007, when the foam extended to the Pacific Ocean 30 miles away. Where did it come from and how did it come into being? Scientists explain that this kind of foam is produced by impurities in the ocean, such as salt, chemicals, dead plants, rotting fish and seaweeds, and the excrement of marine life. All of these are mixed together and stirred by the powerful water flow, causing bubbles in the sea water. When waves begin to form on the surface, the movement of the water causes the bubbles to spin upwards, gather together, and become foam. The foam is pushed to the coast by the waves, and when the waves recede, a large amount of foam remains on the coast. When there was a strong wind, the foam was picked up by the wind and entered the seaside city streets.
An ocean expert explained: "It's like you are mixing a milkshake in a blender.". "The stronger the vortex, the more bubbles will be generated on the surface, and the lighter it will be." If you observe the sea water with a transparent glass, you will find that it is not transparent, but full of tiny particles. Sea water contains dissolved salt, protein, fat, dead seaweed, rotting marine life and other pollutants. If you shake this glass of sea water vigorously, small bubbles will form on the surface of the liquid. Ocean foam is also formed under similar conditions, but on a much larger scale. When a storm rolls in and the ocean is stirred by wind and waves, ocean foam occurs on a large scale.
Is ocean foam toxic?
Most ocean foam is harmless to humans and is often a sign of abundant marine ecosystems. However, when harmful algae proliferate near shore and decay, they have potential impacts on human health and the environment. During an outbreak of harmful algae, ocean foam is a way for algae toxins to spread through the air. The resulting aerosols can irritate the eyes and nasal cavities of beach tourists and pose health risks to those suffering from asthma or other respiratory diseases.
Is ocean foam harmful to animals?
When studying the causes of the extinction of seabirds in California in 2007 and the Pacific Northwest in 2009, scientists discovered that a soap-like foam of rotting blood red tide algae (Akashiwo sanguinea algae) corrodes the waterproof layer on bird feathers, making It is more difficult for birds to fly, and feathers lose heat preservation, leading to fatal hypothermia in many birds.
