2007-03-07 03:17:32 · 3 answers · asked by Smokey 1 in Environment
Foam is composed of all sorts of organic acids, bacteria, phytoplankton, and mucilage produced by macrophytes such as kelp, All of these things contain surfactants that lower the surface tension of the water.
Breaking waves form bubbles that rise to the surface. In the absence of surfactants, the bubbles pop and rapidly dissipate. In the presence of surfactants, the bubbles do not pop because the surfactants in the water allow the bubble’s surface to stretch - which keeps them from popping. As the bubbles accumulate, they form foam.
2007-03-07 05:18:51 · answer #1 · answered by formerly_bob 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's due to the salt and other minerals in the water, that makes foam when agitated. If you boil a pot of salt water you get the same foam on top. Also you can see this in the lobster tanks at the seafood market.
2007-03-07 04:22:16 · answer #2 · answered by acafrao341 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are alot of fish mating near the shore. The foam is just the extra.
2007-03-07 03:21:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋