WHAT IS SEA FOAM?
Ocean decay and pollution contribute to this frothy lining on Earth’s oceans
WORDS SCOTT DUTFIELD
After a particularly wavy day, the sea is often left with a
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foamy residue covering its surface that sticks to the
sandy shorelines. These frothy trimmings are usually organic marine matter that has been churned up by the waves. Making up this foam are particles of salts, fats, proteins, algae,
plankton and bacteria that surround air bubbles to form a light, fluffy substance. The sea foam that collects along coastlines helps recycle the nutrients of the oceans. The organic matter that accumulates in the foam is easily transported by waves and wind onto the land. At the shoreline, microbes and bacteria decompose
the contents of the foam and release the nutrients into the surrounding environment. These nutrients can help plants such as algae and seagrasses grow, which marine life feeds on. In controlled volumes, sea foam assists this nutrient cycle and improves the health of marine ecosystems.