After heavy rainfall caused chaos in Chennai last week, a breathtaking phenomenon at the East Coast Road (ECR) beach captivated residents. Rare blue bioluminescent waves lit up the beach at night, and videos of this spectacle quickly went viral on social media.
Among the first to share this remarkable sight was Rajya Sabha MP and former Union Minister Anbumani Ramadoss, who posted a video on X. “I just now enjoyed the mesmerising fluorescent waves at ECR beach!!” he wrote, showcasing the glowing water crashing onto the sand.
The video amassed over 24,000 views, with many viewers expressing their astonishment and calling the event “magical” in the comments.
Watch:
Just now enjoyed the mesmerising Fluorescent waves at ECR beach!! #Bioluminescence pic.twitter.com/6ljfmlpyRO
— Dr ANBUMANI RAMADOSS (@draramadoss) October 18, 2024
One user remarked, “The radiant waves, just before crashing onto the shore, put on a stunning visual display, captivating everyone who witnessed it.”
Another commenter shared their experience: “I witnessed this with my friends and my cat at around 10:30 PM in Palavakkam Beach in Chennai… Damn.. That was the best moment; even my cat’s eyes were glowing.”
A third user added, “Stunning! The bioluminescent waves in Chennai are a beautiful reminder of nature’s wonders. It’s amazing to see how these natural phenomena light up our shores. A must-see for anyone near the coast.”
Many viewers were curious about the cause of the enchanting blue hues. This phenomenon is known as bioluminescent water.
What Causes Bioluminescent Water?
Bioluminescence is a natural occurrence that results from a chemical reaction within marine organisms. Various bioluminescent species, including fish, bacteria, and jellyfish, contribute to this phenomenon. The appearance of the bioluminescent light varies based on the specific habitat and organism involved.
Although the full functions of bioluminescence remain unclear, the National Ocean Service notes that marine creatures commonly use it to evade or warn predators, attract or locate prey, and communicate with others of their species.