Why glowing, bioluminescent waves have reappeared in California

Without notice, the waters off of California beaches will sometimes transform into a rusty-red color, driving surfers away. 

It’s a massive, unpredictable bloom of single-celled, red plankton, and after an almost five-year absence, the red tide has again returned, and with it, glowing bioluminescent waves.

San Diego photographers, in long-exposure shots, captured the vivid, blue glow over the past few days, though the Scripps Institute said the bloom may now be moving north.

Image: Jack Fusco/jackfusco.com

The tiny red creatures, called dinoflagellates, discolor the water during the day. That discoloration is most visible when the sun is directly or almost directly overhead, between 11 a.m and 1 p.m.  Read more…

More about Science, California, Oceans, Marine Science, and Bioluminescence
Source: Mashable | Why glowing, bioluminescent waves have reappeared in California