Seeing foam in the sea is not uncommon. Sometimes it becomes thick and forms an arch on the shore; other times it floats on the sea surface and quickly disappears.
What causes this maritime event? There is not a single reason. Here we tell you what they are.
Foam and salinity
The first reason has to do with the salinity of the sea, responsible for the thirst we feel when we get out of the water.
The sea has foam because it contains a large amount of salt. This, along with the wind generated by the waves, their force, and the constant movement of the tides, is churned. As a result, it becomes thicker and generates foam.
Depending on the tide state, different types of foam are formed. It can be light and watery or consistent, dense, and opaque.
Foam as a cleaning mechanism
Another reason is a mechanism of the ocean itself. Through foam, the seas eliminate organic impurities, algae, and dead animals they contain.
This happens because organic and mineral materials dissolved in the ocean tend to concentrate and interact, favoring the formation of air bubbles.
These bubbles act as carriers, gathering what doesn’t belong and taking it to the surface and then to the shore. It is not a systematic or infallible process.
Impact of pollution
The third reason is related to pollution. Various chemical products and toxic materials can reach bodies of water if not properly controlled.
Once present in the water, pollutants can affect the surface tension, the stability of bubbles, and the composition of natural foam, leading to denser and potentially dangerous foams.
Red foam in Necochea, Mar del Plata, and other beaches on the Atlantic Coast
In mid-February, a natural phenomenon caught the attention of locals and tourists on the beaches of various points on the Atlantic Coast: the accumulation of a large number of red algae on the shore.
Although this type of event is not uncommon on the Buenos Aires beaches, its appearance raised questions about its causes and possible effects.
The red algae, scientifically known as rhodophytes, are marine organisms that usually inhabit the depths of the ocean. Their distinctive color is due to phycoerythrin, a pigment that allows them to capture wavelengths of sunlight reaching greater depths.
While their presence on the coast may be striking, it does not pose a health risk to humans. However, when they accumulate in large quantities and begin to decompose under the sun, they can release unpleasant odors that affect visitors’ experience on the beaches.
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