Yellow Patches Observed in Sea Due to Pollen Transport
Yellow patches have been observed in coastal waters, primarily concentrated along the shoreline, due to the transport of pollen grains. Marine biologists and the Environmental Agency are investigating the phenomenon, which is linked to seasonal pollen release. The patches are predominantly composed of pollen from coniferous trees, including pine, spruce, and cypress.
These pollen grains possess air sacs that facilitate their movement via wind currents. During periods of significant conifer flowering, large quantities of pollen are carried into the sea. Winds and currents then accumulate these grains on the sea’s surface, creating the visible yellow spots.
“Their pollen grain is equipped with air sacs, which allows them to ‘travel’ with the wind,” researchers at the Marine Biological Station explained. “When there is a lot of flowering of conifers, pollen grains are also carried in large quantities into the sea, where winds and currents carry them ‘on a pile’…”
Furthermore, the Environmental Agency’s biovariability forecast indicates a heightened season for grass pollen in lowlands, with wind dispersal contributing to the overall presence of airborne pollen in the region. The accumulation of pollen on the sea surface remains an area of ongoing observation and study.
Topics: #pollen #sea #surface
