Bioluminescent phytoplankton create sparkling blue waves in Chennai

CHENNAI: On Sunday evening, People visiting beaches along the East Coast Road in Chennai were left astonished when they saw blue, sparkling waves hitting the shore.

Beaches along and near the coast of Chennai coast which witnessed the rare occurrence were the Thiruvanmiyur beach, the Palavakkam beach, and the Injambakkam beach.

This phenomenon of blue waves is known as Bioluminescence. It occurs due to algae called bioluminescent phytoplankton.

The scientific name of the bioluminescent phytoplankton species is Noctiluca Scintillans. It is also commonly called 'sea sparkle'.

The phenomenon is linked to the warming of ocean currents due to climate change.

However, visitors to the beach have shared photographs of the beautiful sight of the ocean which was glowing blue under the night sky.