Tag Archives: sea foam

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When big swells  hit the Mendonoma several weeks ago sea foam was seen in abundance, coating rocks and beaches with the white fluffy substance. Dede Plaisted was at a local beach and this is what she saw.

Foam covers the beach by Dede PlaistedDede wondered what it would be like to wade in it at low tide.

Dede Plaisted wading in sea foam, courtesy of Dede Plaisted

Here's what she said,

“I’ve never stood in foam before. I loved it. I haven’t seen this much foam in a long time. Now all our rocks have been uncovered. They’re like old friends.”

Sea foam is formed when dissolved organic matter, including sea life and deal algae, is churned up by the wave action.

After two storms late in the week, today is sunny and cool. Perfect weather for exploring on the coast!

Thanks to Dede for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

 

 

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Tom Eckles was out on the public hiking trails recently and got a beautiful photo of Sea Foam.

Sea Foam after the storm by Tom Eckles

I learned from the NOAA website that sea foam is often indicative of a productive ocean ecosystem. Seawater has lots of tiny pieces of organic matter, plus salts, dead algae and more. When the ocean is agitated - a washing machine comes to mind – sea foam occurs. But this event was an amazing occurrence. All we need for Tom’s photo is a cherry on top.

Thanks to Tom for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Tom's photography, here is his website: www.tomeckles.com.