Green seawater around Mallorca: What's behind the color change?
The seawater off the coasts of Spain, especially in the Mediterranean around Mallorca, is increasingly showing a striking change in color. What used to be characterized by a deep blue is now increasingly shimmering greenish - especially in the hot summer months. This change is not a random phenomenon, but the result of a combination of Environmental factorswhich are closely interlinked.
Why does the water turn green?
One of the main causes of the color change in seawater is the increased Algae bloomespecially from Phytoplankton. These tiny algae species thrive particularly well in warm and nutrient-rich waters. The Climate change The warming of the water makes a decisive contribution to the increasing proliferation of these microorganisms. As their presence increases, the color of the water changes from blue to green.
But it is not just the rising water temperatures that are responsible. The high Nutrient content in the water, caused by human activities, also plays a significant role. The intensive Agriculture near the coast, combined with the use of Fertilizersleads to excess nutrients being released into the sea. These nutrients promote the growth of algae and further exacerbate the problem.
Effects on the ecosystem
The change in water color has far-reaching consequences for the marine ecosystem. Excessive algae growth can damage the Water quality significantly. In a healthy sea, sunlight reaches the seabed, which promotes the growth of seagrass and other marine plants. However, if there is too much algae, the light is blocked, which negatively affects photosynthesis and therefore oxygen production in the water.
A balanced measure of Phytoplankton is crucial for the Oxygen content in the water and thus for the survival of many marine creatures. However, an excessive algal bloom can lead to a so-called Oxygen deficiency which threatens marine biodiversity and can cause long-term damage to marine habitats.
What can be done?
Experts emphasize the need for measures to Combating climate change and for better Management of water resources. This could help to restore the fragile ecological balance in the Mediterranean. Reducing nutrient inputs through more sustainable agriculture and stricter control of coastal development are other important steps to curb the problem.
There is still hope that ecological balance in the affected marine areas. However, this requires decisive action at all levels - from international politics to local initiatives.
Sources for this isla Article:
- Information on sea temperature and climate data: NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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