Lake Lights Up at Night
Bioluminescent splash What happens to lakes in an area hit by forest fires and floods? Some will glow in the dark.
For a cluster of lakes in Australia's eastern Victoria, the combination of the fire and then the rain washed ash and nitrogen-rich soil into the water. The Gippsland Lakes experienced a rise in sea level. That caused the lakes to mix with sea water, which also raised the salinity.
This recipe led to the introduction of a species of algae called Noctiluca scintillans, commonly known as "sea sparkle." The bioluminescent brew gave the water a nocturnal glow.
Algae lights up shore
Man stands still
A man stands still as others splash algae-laden water behind him. Bioluminescent algae, Noctiluca Scintillan
Bioluminescent algae, Noctiluca Scintillan, in waves lapping at a beach on the Gippsland Lakes. This was a 1.5 hour exposure.
Bioluminescent algae in eastern Victoria
Bioluminescent algae at Camp Cooinda on the Gippsland Lakes in eastern Victoria
