Last month visitors to beaches along Chennai and Kancheepuram were in for a pleasant surprise as the ocean waves saw a magical blue glow.
The blue glow in water is known as bioluminescence. According to marine specialists, the phenomenon is induced by algae Noctiluca scintillans, a type of phytoplankton that, when washed ashore, transforms its chemical energy into light energy. Bioluminescence or blue sea sparkles triggers the blue glow. It is frequently referred to as 'Sea Tinkle'. Sea Tinkles are often reported in the northern shores of the Arabian Sea.
