I was walking the beach on night and spotted a small green light glowing in the sand. On a closer inspection, there was more than one in the area. They were the size of the end of a needle, and right on the shore line. I really am curious on what these are.
2006-08-17 07:43:40 · 19 answers · asked by jbundy9817 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
I was walking along the beach shore in Okaloosa Island, Florida at night when I saw tiny green dots in the sand glowing every now and then. They are the sixe of the tip of needles and there were many of them, maybe spanned out 3 to 4 feet apart.
2006-08-17 10:00:42 · update #1
You probably saw a swarming of epitokes of the polychaete worm Odontosyllis enopla.
The epitokes, which are modified swimming individuals, swarm solely for the purpose of reproduction. The glow results from bioluminescent substances released along with the sperm and eggs into the water where fertilization takes place.
Such swarmings relate to lunar periods. For example, people who net the tropical Pacific palolo worm for food predict swarmings with considerable accuracy. Both the Pacific and Atlantic palolo species cast off only their egg or sperm-filled hind portions, which writhe tail-first to the water surface. The palolo worms don't exhibit bioluminescence.
2006-08-17 08:14:09 · answer #1 · answered by Krynne 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You didn't say where, geographically, you saw
these, which might be of help. However from the
size you describe you probably saw one of the
bioluminescent dinoflagellates such as Noctiluca.
These produce light by a chemical reaction similar
to that of a firefly. They can be quite common on
sea beaches. An occasional pastime for people
who have access to a beach where they are is
sometimes known as the dinoflagellate stomp.
This consists of going down to the water's edge where the sand is damp (at night of course) and
stomping on the wet sand. The sand lights up
all around your feet. The disturbance to the
organisms causes them to turn on the light.
This is also why the crests of waves may glow
with the same green light where the creatures are
common.
2006-08-17 09:51:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Glowing Sand At Night
2017-01-12 07:48:25 · answer #3 · answered by keinonen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The dot is a mark of understand and shows a hierarchy in the team. As in the bushmen of the Kalahari, the dot may have medicinal or non secular houses that repel demons or save quarterbacks from valuable audibles. This will grow to be a slippery slope if the the participant is from India. the necessary dot can be a 'bindi' and the area is totally diverse. the colour of the dot commonly reflects the gamers mood. >>> me too Lemony, on both. I actually have a troll to save me warmth.
2016-11-25 22:44:38 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No guarantee this is right.
I think you seeing phosphorus clumping together as the sea water splashes on the beach.
I was amazed on my trip around the world seeing the green spots in the chop of the wake.
2006-08-17 07:57:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the reflections of the light on little sediments or small shells. i guess it could also be certain reflection on the water, since its wet in the area. maybe even algae
2006-08-17 07:51:01 · answer #6 · answered by PyroKidd 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they may be some kind of 'glowing planktons' which might have come to the shores from sea.
2006-08-17 07:53:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bioluminescent plankton.
2006-08-20 05:23:41 · answer #8 · answered by Sterling 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh no!
A human mammal has spotted our landing beacons!
Quickly, hide behind a palm tree !
Activate the S.E.P. Field and hope they wander away aimlessly.
2006-08-17 07:53:36 · answer #9 · answered by S.A.M. Gunner 7212 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
it's tiny phosphorescent creatures. they do that naturally. they live in the water, and light up when disturbed. the ones you see on the beach have been stranded there
2006-08-17 07:51:32 · answer #10 · answered by C_Millionaire 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋