Residents and tourists along the Grand Strand and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, are currently experiencing an unusually spectacular sight – the ocean has turned an enchanting shade of blue, sparking a flurry of social media posts and discussions!
Typically, around this time of year, the Myrtle Beach waters are a nasty brown color due to the churned up sediment, phytoplankton, and pollution floating closer to the surface. These microorganisms, along with the sediment, refract light differently, making the water appear “dirty” or brownish. This effect is well documented in a study by NASA’s Ocean Biology Processing Group, which explains how the scattering and absorption of sunlight by suspended particles and phytoplankton can influence the color of the water.
This year, however, the Atlantic Ocean has been surprisingly calm with a lack of tropical storms or hurricanes which usually stir up the waters, and the light offshore winds have further assisted in letting the sediment settle near the ocean floor. This has resulted in the clear, beautiful, blue waters that are currently mesmerizing locals and visitors alike.
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The blue hue is actually the ocean’s natural color, as explained by research from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Ocean water appears blue because water molecules absorb colors in the red part of the light spectrum and reflect colors in the blue part of the spectrum. This is due to water’s selective absorption and scattering of sunlight, a phenomenon often referred to as Rayleigh scattering.
Combined with the reflection of sunlight, which can add a bluer tint, the current state of the ocean at Myrtle Beach is boasting an especially rich blue look. It’s reminiscent of the clear waters found in tropical island destinations, with visibility extending to about 3-5 feet deep.
This breathtaking spectacle serves as a reminder of the natural beauty of our oceans when conditions allow for it. Enjoy it while it lasts!