- Home
- Current Affairs
- News Crux
- An Algal Bloom of the Dinoflagellate
An Algal Bloom of the Dinoflagellate
Currently, Visakhapatnam beaches are glowing blue due to a natural phenomenon known as bioluminescence.
- The glow observed in Visakhapatnam is caused by tiny marine organisms called phytoplankton.
- Specifically, an algal bloom of the dinoflagellate species of noctiluca and ceratium, emit light on the ocean surface at night when disturbed by breaking waves.
- The phenomenon is particularly visible during warm weather conditions and moonless nights.
- Bioluminescence is not new to Visakhapatnam and has occurred on several occasions in the past, but the recent experience is on a larger scale, making it a visual spectacle.
- Marine biologists say that it is a likely indication of environmental changes in seawater in the region of its occurrence.
- While it may not be harmful to humans, any kind of algal bloom can affect the marine ecosystem as phytoplankton is consumed by fish.
- The impact of these noctiluca blooms off Visakhapatnam coast on marine species is less reported and explored and needs to be studied.
News Crux
News Crux
News Crux
- Appointment & Resignation
- Art/Culture/Heritage
- Awards In News
- Bill/Act/Amendment
- Defence
- Defence/Military Exercises
- Ecology & Environment
- Famous Books
- Important Days/Weeks
- Important Decade
- Miscellaneous
- Obituary
- Organisation In News
- Persons In News
- Places In News
- Plans & Policy
- Reports/Committee/Commission
- Scheme & Programme
- Science & Technology
- Species In News
- Summit, Seminars & Conferences
- Survey/Index
- Web Portal & Apps