Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Lake Lights Up at Night


Lake Lights Up at Night

Bioluminescent splash
What happens to lakes in an area hit by forest fires and floods? Some will glow in the dark.
For a cluster of lakes in Australia's eastern Victoria, the combination of the fire and then the rain washed ash and nitrogen-rich soil into the water. The Gippsland Lakes experienced a rise in sea level. That caused the lakes to mix with sea water, which also raised the salinity.
This recipe led to the introduction of a species of algae called Noctiluca scintillans, commonly known as "sea sparkle." The bioluminescent brew gave the water a nocturnal glow.

Algae lights up shore

Man stands still

A man stands still as others splash algae-laden water behind him.

Bioluminescent algae, Noctiluca Scintillan
Bioluminescent algae, Noctiluca Scintillan, in waves lapping at a beach on the Gippsland Lakes. This was a 1.5 hour exposure.
Bioluminescent algae in eastern Victoria
Bioluminescent algae at Camp Cooinda on the Gippsland Lakes in eastern Victoria

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