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BIOLUMINESCENCE PHENOMENON
Why in news?
Recently, A stretch of beach at Bhimli near Visakhapatnam glowing due to a unique natural phenomenon called bioluminescence. Bioluminescence occurs due to the presence of some marine planktons called dinoflagellates that produce light when the water is disturbed. It is being reported during the night hours on larger stretches of Visakhapatnam beach for the first time.
About
- In the most basic sense, bioluminescence is the light emitted by a living organism through a chemical reaction happening in their bodies.
- Bioluminescence is therefore a certain type of chemiluminescence, which is the term used for a chemical reaction where light is produced, but we use bioluminescence because this reaction is taking place inside a living organism.
- In addition to this, bioluminescence is considered cold light, which means that less than 20% of the light generates thermal radiation or any type of heat. This is also why it appears blue or whitish in color.
- This phenomenon often happens in water and in the oceans, and you will be able to see bioluminescent waters on the coast of Puerto Mosquito, Vieques in Puerto Rico.
- This small bay on the tiny Caribbean island of Vieques has a glittering reputation for bioluminescent reactions.
- Bioluminescence often happens in the ocean and in the water as this is where the most bioluminescent organisms are found.
- Most bioluminescent marine creatures include jellyfish, bacteria, plankton, and fish. However, you can find bioluminescent organisms on land such as fireflies and fungi.
- However, for the most part, the majority of marine bioluminescence is experienced in blue and greenish parts of the visible light spectrum and will appear more visible in deep parts of the ocean, or at night when there is little light.