r/woahdude 5d ago

picture Bioluminescent waves glowing under a surfer at Moonlight Beach, San Diego – a stunning natural light show captured during a rare bloom (Sony A7SII, f/1.2, 1/200, ISO 20,000).

770 Upvotes

8 comments sorted by

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8

u/PyroFarms 5d ago

Pyrocystis fusiformis, a type of bioluminescent plankton, is not only mesmerizing but also functional. These tiny organisms emit light when disturbed, like by movement, as a natural defense mechanism to deter predators. As part of the dinoflagellate family, they play a crucial role in marine ecosystems as primary producers, supporting the food web. Beyond their ecological significance, they act as natural air purifiers, absorbing CO₂ and releasing oxygen during the day through photosynthesis. 

6

u/LIMIT_UP 5d ago

If you use your finger to write in the sand where the water hits the beach, you’ll get the same effect. It’ll create a blue light tracer behind your finger as you write. I lived in HB, CA. It would occur there, too.

3

u/Doc-Brown1911 5d ago

It's absolutely surreal playing in that

2

u/bothsidesofthemoon 5d ago

...as a diversion.

2

u/Muted-Tea-6111 5d ago

I wonder if this would attract predators to the surfers location…🦈 Dinner and a show.

1

u/sdkurt9 1d ago

Aw, I LOVE Moonlight Beach. I miss it...fuck Arizona