Think about a picturesque marine location, where suddenly, the crystalline blue waters become a vibrant green. It’s positively mesmerizing, and it’s not magic but a purely natural scientific phenomenon commonly known as a plankton bloom. This transformation occurs when there’s an abundance of sunlight married with an excess of nutrients, causing a surge of micro-organisms so immense, they tint the surrounding waters.
Just like an underwater artist, named Sorasak Thongbongpetch, who isn’t simply an artist but also the secretarial aide to the president of the illustrious Koh Larn community. Sorasak elaborates that plankton blooms are rather seasonal phenomena. You can typically witness them happening two or three times every year, specifically during the early phase of the rainy season. The freshwater, flowing generously into the sea, acts as a catalyst for these blooms. The seawater, which usually boasts a translucent appearance, gets a green makeover, but this isn’t permanent. The sea soon reverts to its original form and color, he assures.
But let’s not forget that every rose has its thorn, and similarly, such a natural spectacle isn’t without its cons. The plankton blooms give birth to a unique odour, a rather unpleasant byproduct of the massive plankton die-off. It’s nature’s way, a lifecycle where rise inevitably follows a fall. However, it’s this very odour that can prove to be a concern for some. Plankton allergies are not uncommon, Sorasak points out. Exposure to them can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals, making it wise to avoid swimming during a bloom.
Sorasak’s words of advice for beach-lovers and swimming enthusiasts are rather practical. Why run the risk when there are other beautiful beaches on the island that remain unaffected? These shores maintain the translucent charm of their waters, not touched by the plankton bloom. They are an equally, if not more, enticing alternative for a refreshing swim without the looming risk of an allergic reaction.
So, while a plankton bloom may prove to be a unique spectacle worth witnessing, it is best observed from a distance, leaving the microscopic artists undisturbed in their vibrant creation.
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