“Mysterious ‘milky seas’ phenomenon baffles scientists, sailors” – Steven Miller
Ocean waters can sometimes exhibit a mesmerizing phenomenon known as “milky seas,” causing a vast area to glow with bioluminescence. Researchers are working to anticipate when these events might happen in order to gain a deeper understanding of this captivating display.
Sailors have reported sightings of this mysterious glowing sea for over four centuries. Accounts describe the ocean shimmering with a phosphorescent glow, creating a surreal and enchanting spectacle. Despite the rarity of these events in remote ocean regions, efforts are underway to study and predict the occurrence of “milky seas.”
Justin Hudson, a doctoral student at Colorado State University, has compiled a database of over 400 documented sightings of “milky seas,” including historic reports from sailors. This database aims to facilitate further research and exploration of this centuries-old mystery. By unraveling the secrets behind these bioluminescent displays, scientists hope to shed light on the ecological importance and potential implications for marine life.
The glowing phenomenon is often likened to stars in a child’s bedroom ceiling, emitting a radiant glow that can illuminate the ocean surface. These events, which can persist for months and span vast expanses of up to 100,000 square kilometers, have been observed from space. It is believed that the bioluminescent glow is produced by high concentrations of microscopic bacteria, specifically Vibrio harveyi.
While the exact mechanisms triggering this unique glow remain elusive, studying “milky seas” offers a glimpse into the interconnected ecosystem of our planet. By expanding our knowledge of these luminous occurrences, we may unravel more mysteries of the ocean and its diverse inhabitants.
Dr. Steven Miller, a professor in Colorado State University’s department of atmospheric science and coauthor of a 2021 study on “milky seas,” has been studying this mysterious phenomenon for decades. The study, which compiled historical reports from sailors and satellite data, revealed that “milky seas” primarily appear in the Arabian Sea and Southeast Asian waters. These events may be influenced by global climate events like the Indian Ocean Dipole and the El Niño Southern Oscillation.
According to Miller, the larger “milky seas” can even be detected from space, as shown in a colorized satellite image. These occurrences are linked to upwelling in the ocean, where nutrient-rich water from the deep ocean rises to the surface due to strong winds. Miller predicts that these regions see about one “milky sea” event per year, suggesting high biological activity in these areas.
Unlike bioluminescent events caused by phytoplankton, “milky seas” are believed to be illuminated by glowing bacteria that attract fish. This unique phenomenon has intrigued scientists like Dr. Edith Widder, an oceanographer and marine biologist, who hopes to witness a “milky sea” firsthand one day. Widder is curious about the impact of these bioluminescent events on ocean life, particularly on creatures that rely on darkness for survival. She believes that studying “milky seas” could provide valuable insights into the workings of marine ecosystems.
There have been previous efforts to compile databases of milky sea occurrences, but they were eventually lost over time. The new database is seen as a significant advancement in our understanding of these events on a global scale, according to Miller. During these intriguing bioluminescent episodes in the ocean, the bacterial population responds in unexpectedly dramatic ways, as Miller pointed out. Many questions remain unanswered, such as the impact of climate change on these glow events and how it affects the ecosystem. Understanding this process is crucial because bacteria and phytoplankton form the foundation of the oceanic food chain, which sustains higher order species and fish. Changes in this food chain due to planetary circulations are important factors that need to be studied. To access more CNN news and newsletters, please register an account at CNN.com.
