Below you’ll see a few videos of an incredible bioluminescent red tide that was observed around San Diego, CA in late September.  A “red tide” or harmful algal bloom is a large concentration of aquatic microorganisms in the water column (usually coastal areas) which results in a discoloration of the surface water.  Wikipedia says:

“These algae, known as phytoplankton, are single-celled protists, plant-like organisms that can form dense, visible patches near the water’s surface. Certain species of phytoplankton, usually dinoflagellates or diatoms, contain photosynthetic pigments that vary in color from green to brown to red.”

In this particular instance the organisms are bioluminescent (i.e., they produce their own light through organic means).  Before you think about catching a flight to the coast the next time one of these marvels occur to film your own mash-up of Blue Crush and Tron: Legacy, know that many of these single-celled organisms produce strong neurotoxins which can cause skin irritation, burning of the mucous membranes, seizures, and even death.

Related articles

• Geek-out Sunday part III: faster than fast (marshallstanton.com)
• Geek-out Sunday part II: video from space (marshallstanton.com)
• Geek-out Sunday part I: amazing non-Newtonian fluids (marshallstanton.com)
• At night, a red tide glows blue along the San Diego County coast (latimesblogs.latimes.com)
• Video: Watch A Surfer Ride San Diego’s Glow-in-the-Dark, Algae-Infested Blue Waves (laist.com)
• WATCH: Glow-In-The-Dark Blue Waves On San Diego Beaches (huffingtonpost.com)