Satellites have captured an incredible photo of a strange spiral discovered in the Baltic Sea. It later became clear that the vortex captured from space is actually a spiral of cyanobacteria blooms.
The rotating mass of microbes created a huge “dead zone” in the Baltic Sea, depriving the place of oxygen, LiveScience reports.
The spiral is known to have occurred in the Baltic Sea as a result of a massive algae bloom in 2018. Although the spiral looks beautiful from space, scientists warn that it is incredibly dangerous, essentially creating a huge toxic ‘dead zone’.
Data from NASA’s Earth Observatory indicates that the spiral is about 25 kilometers in diameter and originates in the Gulf of Finland, an arm of the Baltic Sea between Finland, Estonia and Russia.
Scientists note that the giant spiral was composed mainly of tiny photosynthetic marine bacteria, also known as cyanobacteria, as well as small amounts of glass-armored plankton, known as diatoms.
The vortex trapped microscopic creatures, created by two opposing currents. Note that ocean currents often carry algae, creating incredible seascapes, but it is extremely rare to see such perfectly formed spirals.
The researchers note that algae blooms naturally in the area each summer when vertical mixing from the ocean brings large amounts of nutrients to the surface.
However, in recent decades, these blooms have increased dramatically in size and frequency as human activity has introduced additional nutrients into the water.
The research results show that between 2003 and 2020, the average size of algae blooms worldwide increased by 13%. Although algae blooms may look impressive from space, they are very dangerous, according to the Woods Holes Oceanographic Institution.
As a result of the bloom, the amount of oxygen in the lower waters decreases, creating a kind of ‘death zone’.
Data from scientists shows that during the formation of this spiral in 2018, the “dead zone” in the Gulf of Finland was as much as 70,000 kilometers. Unfortunately, dead zones are not only getting bigger, but also deadlier.
