In 2018, satellites recorded a strange spiral in the Baltic Sea. Later, it became clear that this vortex, observed from space, is a cyanobacterial bloom spiral. The rotating mass of microbes formed a huge “dead zone” in the Baltic Sea, depriving this region of oxygen.
In 2018, a huge spiral was formed in the Baltic Sea due to a massive algal bloom. Although it looks fascinating from space, scientists warn about its dangers, because this spiral actually creates a large toxic “dead zone”.
According to NASA‘s Earth Observatory, the diameter of the spiral is approximately 25 kilometers. It originated in the Gulf of Finland, located between Finland, Estonia and Russia. Scientists indicate that the spiral is mainly composed of cyanobacteria that photosynthesize and a small amount of diatoms.
These microscopic organisms were caught in a trap created by two opposing currents. Currents in the ocean often form similar structures from algae, but it is very rare to see such a perfectly formed spiral.
Researchers note that this region naturally experiences algal blooms every summer, when vertical mixing of ocean waters brings nutrients to the surface. However, in recent decades, this phenomenon has become much larger and more frequent due to anthropogenic water pollution.
Research shows that from 2003 to 2020, the average size of algal blooms worldwide increased by 13%. According to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, although algal blooms may look spectacular from space, they are extremely dangerous. This phenomenon reduces the amount of oxygen in the lower layers of the water, creating “death zones”.
During the 2018 spiral formation in the Gulf of Finland, the “dead zone” reached an impressive 70,000 square kilometers. Unfortunately, such zones are not only increasing in size, but also becoming more and more dangerous for the marine ecosystem.
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News agencies contributed to this report, edited and published by ORDO News editors.
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