Rare natural phenomenon: A Vizag beach lit by bioluminescence
Do you know what bioluminescence is? It refers to the emission of light by a living organism. Perhaps the most common examples in this regard are that of a firefly and a jellyfish.
Recently, this rare natural phenomenon was observed at the Bheemili Beach in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh and has attracted the attention of curious locals and tourists alike. Turns out, it generated from tiny marine organisms called phytoplankton who have the bioluminescent characteristics and can emit bright blue light. In fact, the scientists based at the Marine Living Resources Department of the Andhra Pradesh University has revealed that the specific phytoplankton involved here were diatoms or dinoflagellates (unicellular algae having a siliceous covering) called Noctiluca and Sorecium who produced the magical and enchanting bioluminescence. Why? Because their bioluminescent element (a molecule called luciferin) got disturbed by the water (high tides), reacted with the oxygen and produced light. They have also stated that this natural phenomenon may appear again. However, they have requested the visitors to responsibly conserve the fragile ecosystem of the bioluminescent organisms and not disturb them in any way, even though they aren’t dangerous in any way. Interestingly, these organisms are mostly far away into the sea, however they often come closer to the shore when the crashing waves bring them over.
Apart from the Vizag beaches, several other beaches across the country have bioluminescence occurring such as Lakshadweep Islands, Andaman and Nicobar’s Havelock Island and Radhanagar Beach, as well as Maharashtra’s Konkan region. Besides, Chenna’s famous Marina Beach has also reported to glow blue and green due to activities of phytoplankton. However, this was the first time the beaches at Vishakhapatnam coastline have experienced this rare natural phenomenon.
What is interesting is that the latest phenomenon came to the limelight when a group of five M.Tech students from Andhra Pradesh University had gone to the Bheemili Beach (it was their last stop) for a long drive around the night-time. They were so impressed by the scene (that lasted for more than two hours) that they captured several images and videos following which they shared them with a Vizag-based weatherman and blogger. He in turn shared them on social media platforms including Twitter, from where it became viral overnight.