Sea foam may look sinister but it is mostly harmless and natural
Summary
Sea foam seen along Britain’s coast is a natural, harmless substance made when algae grow and die in the ocean. The foam forms as waves and wind mix the water, creating bubbles that pile up along the shore and in lines on the sea.Key Facts
- Sea foam often appears around Britain’s coast especially during certain times of the year.
- People may think the foam comes from pollution or sewage, but it is usually natural.
- The foam forms from algae, mainly a type called phaeocystis, which is not toxic.
- When the algae die, they leave behind materials that act like soap, helping create foam.
- Waves and wind mix the surfactants in the water to produce frothy foam.
- Wind creates rotating water currents called Langmuir circulation that gather foam into long lines on the sea.
- Sea foam can look strange and sometimes smell bad, but it is mostly harmless.
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