A notable occurence of sea foam has been witnessed by the tourists and residents in Sunshine Coast, Queensland in the last two days.
The streets have been covered with significant amount of foam washed up inland by the strong wind and powerful waves from a low pressure system that hit Queensland recently.
The white foam blanketed not only the streets but cars and caravans along the coast. Some roads were closed due to the sea foam measuring up to three meters deep.
Witnesses have described the rare phenomenon as a ‘winter wonderland’ scene in Sunshine Coast.
Interesting facts about sea foam
- composed of organic matter such as salts, dead algae and marine products, and other particles from the ocean that have been churned or agitated by the strong winds and powerful waves
- presence of sea foam means a healthy and productive ecosystem in the ocean
- becomes harmful when it starts to irritate your eyes, skin and triggers asthma attacks
- has unpleasant odor when the sea foam comes from polluted water
- becomes a physical hazard on occasions when the accumulation is in significant amount
Recorded Occurrences of Sea Foam
- August 24, 2007 – Yamba, New South Wales, Australia
- January – February 2008 – Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
- December 2011 – Cleveleys, Lancashire, UK
- September 24-25, 2012 – Footdee, Aberdeen, Scotland
- January 27-28, 2013 – Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
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